Abstract Space deployable structures are able to be deployed from a folded state to a
predetermined or desired configuration. They are superior in terms of spatial packaging …

Solar sail technology has been proposed and developed for space explorations with
advantages of low launch cost, no-propellant consumption, and continuous thrust, which has …

In this paper, the current state of the art of solar sail technology is reviewed. Solar sail
research is quite broad and multi-disciplinary; this paper focuses mainly on areas such as …

The elastic strain energy-driven thin-walled deployable composite structures, characterized
by their integration of structure and functionality, have attracted considerable attention in the …

The space environment is still challenging but is becoming more and more attractive for an
increasing number of entities. In the second half of the 20th century, a huge amount of funds …

Abstract Space sails are a continuum of lightweight, thin, large-area, deployable
technologies which are pushing forward new frontiers in space mobility and exploration …

Abstract Space debris is growing dramatically with the rapid pace of human exploration of
space, which seriously threatens the safety of artificial spacecraft in orbit. Therefore, the …

An abundant source of energy in space, electromagnetic radiation can provide spacecraft
with a gentle yet persistent thrust for interplanetary and interstellar missions. Early …

Solar sails, characterized by passive propulsion, have attracted an increasing attention of
researchers, which has important value in the field of deep space exploration. SIASAIL-I is …

CubeSats have been extensively used in the past decade as scientific tools, technology
demonstrators and for education. Recently, PocketQubes have emerged as an interesting …