MIC - Magnetically Inflated Cable Robotic Systems for Large Scale Solar Satellites and Other Applications

A new approach for the erection of rigid large scale structures in space – MIC (Magnetically Inflated Cable) – is described. MIC structures are launched as a compact payload of superconducting cables and attached tethers. After reaching orbit, the superconducting cables are energized with electrical current. The magnetic force interactions between the cables causes them to expand outwards into the final large structure. Various structural shapes and applications are possible, including space solar satellites beaming electric power to the Earth, the Moon, and spacecraft using electric thrusters. Very light weight MIC disc structures can also be used for shielding the Earth from sunlight by positioning them at the Lagrange 1 point. The MIC structure can be a simple flat disc with a superconducting outer ring that supports a tether network holding a solar cell array, or it can form a curved mirror surface that concentrates light and focuses it on a smaller region – for example (1) a high flux solar array that generates electric power, (2) a high temperature receiver that heats H 2 propellant for high Isp propulsion, and (3) a giant primary reflector for a telescope for astronomy and Earth surveillance. Linear dipole and quadrupole MIC structures are also possible. The linear quadrupole structure can be used for magnetic shielding against cosmic radiation for astronauts, for example. MIC sunshields and solar sails would use a rotating superconducting cable loop with very thin, very lightweight radial fins to intercept sunlight. MIC would use lightweight YBCO superconducting HTS (High Temperature Superconductor) cables, that can operate close to liquid nitrogen temperatures at engineering current densities of ~10