Magnetically Enabled Structures Using Interacting Coils (MAGESTIC)

In this Phase I, we have conducted an initial feasibility study for the use of high-temperature superconducting coils as deployment and support elements in spacecraft structures. We have also introduced system performance trades that will be further quantified in the Phase II work. On the basis of the work performed in this Phase I study, we have come to the following conclusions: 1) The fundamental physics support the basic concept of using electromagnets for deployment. 2) With existing technology and capabilities, the use of HTS coils for the deployment activities investigated herein is achievable, though with significant work to be done in dynamic controllability, system optimization, sizing and scaling, thermal control, and mission integration analysis. Our Phase II work will address many of these topics as well as economic viability. By the end of Phase II, we aim to have completed and tested an experimental flexible cryogenic heatpipe, a technology integration case study of JWST, laboratory experimental demonstrations of HTS coils unfolding panels and separating while superconducting, and models calibrated both by experiments and analytical solutions. These are the first steps along the HTS technology demonstration path, and those steps combined with the foundation laid in our Phase I report and the feasibility and implementation analysis to be conducted in Phase II will bolster the credibility and prepare the technology for further TRL advancement.