Communication-Energy-Propulsion Integration Theory and Method Joint Research for enabling Multi Functional Large Space Structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Walter
• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 392073416

Deep Space Exploration is known to be expensive and therefore flight frequency is much below demand. Inexpensive small satellite missions could ease this problem, but they suffer from a technical challenge: energy/resource restriction severely limit propulsion, electrical power generation and communication. This problem might significantly be reduced if deployable structures increase the geometrical size of spacecraft subsystems in orbit. While the concept of deployable mono-functional large structures is already in use, the current state-of-the art technology gives rise to the following work proposal: Fuse multiple key resource functionalities into one large deployable space structure to increase deep space mission performance.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Partner Organisation: National Natural Science Foundation of China
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Jun Zhou