Development of a Lightweight Membrane Deployment Structure with Power Generation and Antenna Functions, HELIOS

A lightweight membrane deployment structure with power generation and antenna functions, HELIOS is a multifunctional deployable membrane integrating thin-film solar cell sheets and two types of antenna substrates. Its mission is to demonstrate the following key technologies: 1) a lightweight deployable solar array membrane, 2) beamforming with millimeter-wave antennas on a membrane for 5G mobile communications, and 3) an interferometer antenna on a membrane. This paper presents the mission, design, and development of HELIOS, with a particular focus on its novel membrane structure. HELIOS was launched aboard the RAISE-3 (RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-3) but did not reach orbit. Consequently, a reattempt with HELIOS-R is planned. These technologies are expected to enhance the performance and expand the mission possibilities of small satellites.