Origami multi-layer space shield for cylindrical space structure

The multidisciplinary space environment, encompassing orbital debris, cosmic radiation, and solar radiative heat, poses significant risks to spacecraft and astronauts, necessitating efficient and effective shielding solutions. A multi-layer shield with wide spacing has been proven to be an effective way to shield the spacecraft from space debris impact; however, due to the limited volume of the payload fairing, it was not feasible to apply a multi-layer shield to the spacecraft fuselage. Through the origami design, the shield maintains a compact form during launch and subsequently expands in outer space to enhance protection. Through geometric analysis, it has been confirmed that the deployable multi-layer space shield can occupy less space than conventional space shield structures while expanding into wider shield intervals and multiple layers. Through hypervelocity impact experiments, it was confirmed that as the bumper spacing of the multi-layer space shield expands, its ballistic performance becomes superior to conventional space structures. The deployable multi-layer space shield can reduce not only hypervelocity impacts but also solar radiative heat using the same mechanism as multi-layer insulation. Through cosmic radiation dose analysis, it has been confirmed that the multi-layer space shield is effective in cosmic radiation shielding compared to conventional space structures. (c) 2024 Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.