Construction of metre-scale foldable space shelter based on gravity-driven self-assembling origami

Abstract

Space infrastructure to protect astronauts and equipment from various hazards is critical for sustainable exploration. However, conventional shelters are challenging to transport due to their large volume, and in-situ construction requires significant time. Deployable shelters can address volume constraints, but thin-panel designs often lack functionality and robustness. This study introduces an origami-inspired shelter made of thick panels that expands into a dome-like shape with a volume several times greater than its stowed configuration. Unlike conventional thick-panel designs, the proposed concept is scalable for various sizes and thicknesses and deployable through simple actuation using gravity and wire tension, without manual assembly. A meter-scale prototype demonstrates stable deployment within tens of seconds. This concept enhances transportability and ease of installation while maintaining protection performance, offering a practical solution for initial manned missions to celestial bodies.