Gossamers, CRES et al: Where Are We Going?
Bernasconi, M.C.
MCB Consultants

At the first Workshop in this series, we presented a talk entitled "Flexible-Wall Expandable Structures for Space Applications: Forty Years of Trying" -- to discuss the continuing interest since the very beginning of the Space Age for proposing, studying and developing flexible-wall structures (under varying names), in view of realizing large element for use in space. Six years later, one may wonder how much of the enthusiasm apparent at the time remains. Has solid progress occurred - or have we just a further chapter to add to a story relating Fifty Years of Trying? In part, this very Workshop will offer an answer: but one can attempt to add information by taking a look at the developments outside Europe -- and within the US in particular.

Outline:

1. The Gossamer Initiative: membranes and mechanisms

2. Winning applications?

3. The nanotechnology promise

4. New actors

5. A European summary

6. More Japanese interest

7. Russian presences

8. Outlook and recommendations

. PPH-08-069