Ultra Lightweight Isogrid Boom Space Experiment (UltraBoom) Systems Design

The purpose of the Ultra-Lightweight Isogrid Boom Space Experiment is to flight validate the non-traditional ultra lightweight rigidizable-inflatable, isogrid structure utilizing a composite graphite/shape memory polymer called UltraBoomTM. The goal of the flight experiment is to raise the technology readiness level of this enabling technology from 4 (i.e. component validated in a laboratory environment) to 7 (i.e. system demonstrated in a space environment) and to reduce risks for future missions. The UltraBoom Flight System envisioned for NASA’s New Millennium Program (NMP) Space Technology 8 (ST-8) project consists of two 30-meter long UltraBooms integrated onto a common honeycomb composite baseplate that also support the metrology system, inflation system, and avionics equipment. The system design of the flight experiment is currently at the preliminary design review (PDR) level and is ready to move into the refinement phase. The focus of this paper is on the systems design of the flight experiment and how it will meet the mission objectives.