Sunday, August 13, 2006

Inflatable shells could create stealth satellites

The inflatable satellite shell design looks similar to the Genesis I spacecraft, which is basically a watermelon-shaped balloon. But instead of housing people, it would contain satellite components, such as communications antennae. There is an airlock at one end and enough space inside for a person to go in and repair or replace components.

The patent also mentions ideas for endowing the inflatable shell with "radar stealth capabilities". These include using radar-absorbing materials and designing the shell with a shape that deflects radio waves away from potential detectors, which is how stealth planes work.

No comments: