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The planned increase in satellite launches over the next decade will emphasize reduction of space hardware mass and launch costs. Inflatable structures present many benefits over current state-of-the-art +mechanical technologies and are principally attractive because they can be packaged into small volumes, thereby reducing program costs. Reduced costs are realized in development and production as well as in enabling smaller launch vehicle size. Inflatable structures will reduce total system mass and complexity, thereby increasing system reliability. This paper describes several types of inflatable structures and applications being developed for space flight. Rigidization methods and results from preflight test programs are also presented to support the viability of the technology.

Recent technological advancements in space inflatable structures, in the areas of material rigidization and controlled deployment, have presented a new possibility to the space community with a low cost, lightweight alternative to mechanically deployed space structures. Space inflatable structures have many benefits and advantages over current mechanical systems. They are low in mass and can be packaged into small volumes, which can potentially reduce the overall program cost by reducing the launch vehicle size. Reduction in total system mass and deployment complexity can also increase system reliability. This new technology is fast becoming a reality, especially in the field of inflatable solar arrays and other applications for spacecraft components.