Large Space Structures Formed by Centrifugal Forces

By Vitali M. Melnikov and Vladimir A. Kosholev, and translated by Nina Barabush. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, India, 1998. Volume 4 of Earth Space Institute Book Series, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Peter Kleber. ISBN 90-5699-112-4 Melnikovetal1998

This book reviews many of the technical details in implementing large, gossamer space structures that are deployed and supported by spinning. This comes from comprehensive research, development, and flight testing by RSC Energia in Russia. Included is a detailed discussion of Znamya 2, a successful test of a 20 m diameter spin-supported reflector in low Earth orbit. There is some discussion of a solar sail spacecraft design, including a diagram.