Development of Multifunctional Lightweight Membrane Structure for Antennas and Power Generation on Small Satellites

To enable a broad range of space activities, small satellites demand solutions for lightweight, high-power generation. As a power generation system, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Sakase Adtech, Co., Ltd. developed “Harvesting Energy with Lightweight Integrated Origami Structure-R" (HELIOS-R) for on-orbit demonstration. HELIOS-R has solar arrays on its surface and demonstrates the technology that enables higher specific power generation capacity than traditional solar array panels. The membrane surface also incorporates 5G antennas and interferometer antennas, conducting communication experiments with the main body of the satellite. This paper introduces the mission outlines, development status, and anticipated outcomes of the HELIOS-R component.