Origami inspires UK space startup

The UK startup collaborated with Professor Zhong You of Oxford University - an expert in deployable closed kinematic chain structures and origami folding - to develop the technology.

Together they have created structural designs that use ‘shape memory’ materials made up of fibres and resins that unfurl in a controlled way, similar to natural structures such as leaves. 

OSS is focusing on three specific areas: deployable panels, large deployable antennas, and flexible composite boom systems. Products developed so far include the Astrotube and Astrotube Max, two retractable booms that can be extended three metres and 15 metres from a spacecraft respectively.

According to OSS, the booms have a significantly reduced number of moving parts, and consequently a lower risk of mechanical failure. Once they have unfolded from the satellite structure, the booms can then be used to position other parts of the payload, such as antennas or solar panels.