Flat-fabrication technology may enable the next generation of gigantic deployable architectures devoted to the detection of faint cosmological signals. We assess the applicability of a multifunctional roll-out structure based on shape memory polymer technology for the realization of a large space observatory to measure the cosmological Dark Ages radio signal. Roll-out solutions offer advantageous properties for probe class missions, such as the capability to morph the shape to achieve sufficient structural performance while ensuring high packaging efficiency. We characterize the feasibility of a roll-out observatory in the context of a 5 years-long heliocentric mission scenario. Our preliminary study demonstrates how a four-250 m-long arms architecture with 150 evenly spaced short dipole antennas potentially meets the basic mission requirements dictated by the Dark Ages science case. We conduct a quasi-static structural analysis considering axial and bending loads acting on the arms to assess the structural properties of the proposed architecture, identifying geometric ranges which enable the structure to withstand expected loads while satisfying mass and size constraints. Printable electronics are considered in the design due to the ease of integration with the polymer substrate. In this regard, we explore two distinct electronics configuration options—centralized and decentralized—discussing their benefits in terms of power demand and data management. If successful, such a design may set the stage for future technological development aiming to realize tomographic measurements of the cosmological Dark Ages.

中文翻译：

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从 NIAC 第一阶段研究中汲取的经验教训，用于黑暗时代天文台的平面制造

扁平制造技术可能使下一代巨型可部署架构成为可能，专门用于检测微弱的宇宙信号。我们评估了基于形状记忆聚合物技术的多功能展开结构对于实现大型空间天文台来测量宇宙黑暗时代无线电信号的适用性。推出解决方案为探测类任务提供了有利的特性，例如能够改变形状以实现足够的结构性能，同时确保高封装效率。我们在为期 5 年的日心说任务场景中描述了推出天文台的可行性。我们的初步研究表明，具有 150 个均匀间隔的短偶极子天线的 4 个 250 m 长的臂架构如何可能满足黑暗时代科学案例规定的基本任务要求。我们进行准静态结构分析，考虑作用在臂上的轴向和弯曲载荷，以评估拟议架构的结构特性，确定使结构能够承受预期载荷同时满足质量和尺寸约束的几何范围。由于易于与聚合物基板集成，因此在设计中考虑了可印刷电子产品。在这方面，我们探索两种不同的电子配置选项——集中式和分散式——讨论它们在电力需求和数据管理方面的好处。如果成功，这样的设计可能会为未来的技术发展奠定基础，旨在实现宇宙黑暗时代的断层扫描测量。