Development of a “hingeless mast” and its applications

Abstract The new concept of continuous longeron extendible mast without hinges (“Hingeless Mast”) is introduced, and its development for space applications is presented in detail. Some design parameters such as spacer pitch and stiffness of spacers are clearly arranged from the viewpoint of smooth and stable deployment and stowage. Engineering considerations for mast materials and various tests for mast components and overall mast models are also presented.