(abstract) Overview of NASA's Adaptive Structures Program

Abstract

NASA's research program in Adaptive Structures was initiated seven years ago to provide the technology required for large (20-50 meters in dimension) precision (submicron) structures for observations from space. The current approach of designing thermally stable passive structures cannot meet the requirements and moreover the systems cannot be validated by ground tests. Adaptive Structures provides the capability to adjust the quasistatic dimensions of the structures, preload joints, add active damping, and provide the actuation forces necessary to attenuate the undesired dynamic motions. The technology is applicable to space platforms with various pointing instruments as well as for microspacecraft. This technology has been incorporated as part of a small Active Fold Mirror on the Wide Field Planetary Camera to be flown within the year to correct the optical errors in the Hubble Telescope. Highlights of NASA's Adaptive Structures research and applications will be presented along with future technology and research requirements for both small inexpensive spacecraft and large precision systems.