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  Self-Deploying
Truss Technology Highlighted in NASA Tech Briefs
The May 2008 issue of NASA Tech Briefs
featured an article entitled, "Self-Deploying Trusses
Containing Shape-Memory Polymers," the culmination
of a NASA Glenn Research Center SBIR program which developed
lightweight, strong support structures that deploy without
the need for articulated mechanisms or inflatable devices.
The composite truss structures can be compacted for
stowage and later deploy themselves to full size and
shape.
In addition to outer space deployment,
the trusses may be useful in terrestrial applications
such as as variable-geometry aircraft components or
shelters that can be compacted, transported, and deployed
quickly in hostile environments. (5-13-2008)
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