Adaptive structures to meet future requirements for large precision structures

The role of adaptive structures in meeting the structural requirements for future NASA missions is described. Many of NASA's future missions require large precision truss type structures where prespecified locations on the structure must maintain micron level accuracies with respect to each other when subjected to manufacturing errors and static, thermal, and dynamic inputs. In many cases the incorporation of the adaptive structures concepts into the structural design to adjust the on-orbit structure will be the only feasible means to attain the desired accuracies. In order for the structures to be able to change structural characteristics on orbit they must be uncoupled and independent of the control system used to impart the required rigid body motion to the spacecraft.