Multifunctional structures for advanced spacecraft

Next-generation spacecraft will require an order-of-magnitude reduction in Eight mass compared to current spacecraft designs. These microspacecraft will need innovative design approaches integrating different subsystem functions and new technologies. Multifunctional structure designs offer enabling technology fur the microspacecraft by incorporating electronics and thermal control functions into the spacecraft structural elements, In the multifunctional structure design, bulky black boxes, cable harnesses, and connectors are eliminated, and the electrical connections are based on flexible circuit patches and jumpers, The system is ideally suited for high-density electronics such as multichip modules, chip-on-board, and highly miniaturized electromechanical systems devices. Novel thermal management devices are also incorporated into the structure to control localized high-heat loads, A brief overview of the multifunctional structures concept is presented, and the gradual transition of the technology into Right experiments and spacecraft is described, A multifunctional structure experiment was successfully integrated into the New Millennium Program Deep Space 1 spacecraft bus. Data collected from this mission experiment indicated that the electrical connection system was fully functional with no degradation, and the thermal performance measurements were consistent with the preflight analyses, Building on this successful Right experiment, multifunctional structures designs have been transitioned into a few spacecraft subsystems.