Cornerstone Research Group inc. (CRG) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a lightweight, deployable Veritex
TM supporting annulus structure to support large radio frequency (RF) antennas. Veritex
TM composites are similar to other high-performance composites, with the exception that CRG's shape memory polymer (SMP) resin, Veriflex
TM, is used as the matrix resin. This allows for easy manipulation of the composite above the activation temperature, making it a unique material for use in dynamic structures and other applications requiring both load strength and "shape-shifting" modulus flexibility. In this Phase I program, CRG will develop and evaluate materials and related fabrication technologies based on Veritex
TM, and develop a deployment scheme with built-in redundancy. This technical approach fulfills NASA's requirement for a very large, lightweight, on-orbit deployable RF antenna aperture structure by offering a practical, deployable, structural support that will address the short comings of current rigidized inflatable structures.
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