Analysis of promising areas in the production of space truss structures

The article reviews historical and modern approaches to creating truss structures for orbital stations and large space structures. Design solutions are analyzed, from manual assembly of individual elements in orbit to modular and deployable systems and advanced composite technologies that make it possible to create large-diameter structures directly in space. Three classes of structural materials — carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, aluminum alloys, and an aluminum-based metal composite reinforced with silicon carbide — are compared in terms of density, specific strength and stiffness, thermal stability, resistance to cyclic thermal loads, radiation resistance, and manufacturability of large-size elements. Each material has both advantages and limitations in open-space conditions. Based on the analysis, a technical solution for a hybrid carbon-fiber truss with metal end fittings is proposed and substantiated. The truss geometry and reinforcement scheme of the composite rods are selected to provide maximum stiffness at minimum mass. The relevance of this solution for future space projects is demonstrated.