Fibre composite structures for space applications : recent and future developments

Fibre composites are widely used for space applications, such as solar arrays, antennas, optical platforms and supports for cryogenic tanks. One of the latest successfully launched satellites is the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The lifetime of ISO is mainly limited due to the thermal conductivity of the cryogenic tank support structure. Recent efforts show that optimized load adapted support structures can essentially decrease the thermal conductivity and thus increase the lifetime of such satellites. Ultra high modulus carbon composites can decrease the moisture induced deformations of optical platforms and antennas. New test specimens and procedures allow an improved selection of composites for specialized applications. In this paper composite structures of recently launched satellites are described. Improvements in material evaluation methods, structural analysis and design for future developments are demonstrated.