Seminars

The coming decades will transform space exploration and space-based infrastructure as rapid reductions in launch costs expand the scope of feasible space systems. Space structures now span an unprecedented range of length and mass scales, from low-cost miniature satellites that lower barriers to orbit, to large space-based observatories, and ultimately to kilometer-scale gossamer structures for deep-space exploration. Across these scales, structural systems face stringent and often competing requirements, including extreme lightweighting, compact stowage, reliable deployment, long-term stability in harsh space environments, and resilience to micrometeorite impact. In the first half of the talk, I show how mechanics-driven design and simplified analytical models expose the fundamental tradeoffs governing deployable and flexible space structures across scales. The second half of the talk will focus on fundamental impact mechanics, based on micro- and macro-scale projectile impact testing experiments. I will show how momentum transfer between the projectile and target provides a unifying framework for impact behavior across materials, velocities, and length scales. These insights are critical for the design of next-generation protective structures operating across a wide range of scales.