A general truss system for very large space base foundations, with application to the solar power satellite
- Paper ID
IAF-87-248
- author
- company
General Electric Co.
- country
U.S.A.
- year
1987
- abstract
The paper presents a general three-dimensional truss system (COPPATRUSS) that appears uniquely capable of satisfying the requirements for very large foundation structures in space. The currently patented system obtains perhaps the highest structural efficiency (strength/mass and stiffness/mass) possible in a general space truss. In addition it offers great architectural variety, modularity, fabrication economy, low package volume for launch, and rapid, principally automated, assembly in space. An example of an application to the Solar Power Satellite is discussed.