Structures that adapt to space

Abstract

It is shown that by allowing adjustments in space, designs that incorporate adaptive structures can reduce initial precision requirements and lower costs. Present and future spacecraft structures will need enhancements in performance, reliability, testability, and cost-effectiveness; unless a structural system meets these demands, it probably will never be implemented operationally. Attention is given to the ASTREX test facility at Edwards AFB that includes embedded piezoelectric, in-line piezoelectric actuator, and magnetostrictive active members whose testbed rapidly slews the spacecraft through large angles and then points it quickly and accurately.