RESEARCH
Last updated: April 20, 2025

Recent research topics in our laboratory are as follows:

  1. Gossamer Multibody Dynamics
  2. Ultralight Deployable Membrane Structure System
  3. Terramechanics under Micro-gravity Environment
  4. Tribology in space
  5. Lightweight extensible boom
  6. Future large space structure

The brief summary of each research topic is shown below. You can see the past research by Prog. Miyazaki at the other web page.

 
 
Gossamer Multibody Dynamics
Last updated: April 20, 2025

The mass and the payload volume of launch vehicle are limited. If we will launch a large structure at one time or a few times, the structure must be stored into small volume at the launch and must be deployed on orbit. The number of launch should be low in order to reduce the launch cost, so that the storable and deployable strucrure is necessary.

Gossamer structure,i.e. highly flexible structure consisting of cables or thin membranes, is most promissing one that has excellent property of lightweight, deployment, and storage. However, it is difficult to configure the spacecraft only by gossamer structure, and it will be a multibody system composed of gossamer strucrure and other bodies such as the spacecraft bus. In fact, the past gossamer structures, e.g. solar sail, were such multibody structures.

GMD

In general, numerical simulation of the motion of multi-body structures composed of rigid structures such as spacecraft buses and extremely flexible structures such as gossamer structures is not easy and requires ingenious analytical theories and numerical calculation methods. We are developing analytical theories and numerical calculation methods for such structures (gossamer multi-body systems), as well as their application to spacecraft design, and verifying these through experiments and actual space missions. In particular, we have already established a structure-preserving solution method for gossamer multi-body dynamics and developed the analysis code NEDA (Nonlinear Elasto-Dynamic Analysis). We are applying it to various deployable structures to predict their motion in space.

In addition, in order to utilize NEDA more widely, we are conducting joint research with cosmobloom. and focusing on the following two topics for application to actual space mission.

  • High precision gossamer structure
  • Storage method for gossamer structure considering mechanical environment at launch
References
Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Deployable Techniques for Small Satellites, Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol.106, No.3, pp.471-483, 1 March 2018, DOI: 10.1109/JPROC.2018.2799608.
Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Momoko Fukunaga, Daiki Kousaka, Membrane Structure Supported by Self-Deployable Truss for Space Applications, 2018 AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, AIAA SciTech Forum, AIAA 2018-0451, pp.1-13, 8–12 January 2018, Kissimmee, Florida, USA, DOI:10.2514/6.2018-1201.
Yasuyuki Miyazaki, "Wrinkle/Slack Model and Finite Element Dynamics of Membrane", International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol.66, No.7, pp.1179-1209, May, 2006, DOI: 10.1002/nme.1588.
Yasuyuki Miyazaki and Tsuyoshi Kodama, "Formulation and interpretation of the equation of motion on the basis of the energy-momentum method", Journal of Multi-body Dynamics, Vol.218, No.1, pp.1-7, March 2004, doi: 10.1243/146441904322926832.
 
 
 
Ultralight Deployable Membrane Structure System
Last updated: April 20, 2025

Our laboratory has conducted the research and development of ultlalight deployable membrane structure for a long time, and participated in the development and the flight data analysis of the Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS".

Currently, we are focusing on applying the results of our research to space science missions and satellite equipment. For example, we are conducting the following research and development.

  1. Micro solar power sail
  2. Deployable rectenna for wireless power transmission
  3. Thin membrane solar array paddle
  4. Membrane antenna
  5. Deorbit membrane device

membrane

References
Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Riko Tachikawa, Shape Accuracy of Boom-Supported Solar Sail, 68th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4I04, Himeji, 5-8 November, 2024. (in Jaapanese)
Momoko Fukunaga, Takeru Nakamura, Ryohei Orii, Hiroyuki Ono, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Development of a 0.25U Deployable Membrane-Type De-orbit Device, 68th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4G02, Himeji, 5-8 November 2024. (in Jaapanese)
Maximilien Berthet, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, et. al., Space sails for achieving major space exploration goals: Historical review and future outlook, Progress in Aerospace Sciences, Vol.150, 101047, 1 October 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2024.101047.
Ryohei Orii, Takeru Nakamura, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, A Proposal for a Lightweight Deployable Large Membrane Dipole Array Antenna, the 74th International Astronautical Congress, IAC-23,C2,2,5,x78574, 2-6 October 2023.
Takeru Nakamura, Ryohei Orii, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, In-Orbit Demonstration of a Lightweight Deployable Antenna Using Self-Deployable Membrane Truss (SDMT), SSC23-WP2-27, Small Satellite Conference 2023, Utah State University, 5-10 August 2023.
 
 
 
Terramechanics under Micro-gravity Environment
Last updated: April 1, 2021

Satou is working on terramechanics, which is necessary for future space exploration. In particular, since the behavior of soil under microgravity is completely different from that under gravity, it is important to understand the phenomena by drop tests and to predict the behavior of soil by the simulation.

The results of this research are being used to predict the excavation behavior of the sampling system of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission.

terramechanics

References
R. Mino, Y. Satou, and T. Miyashita, "Clarification of Penetration characteristics of Corer using SPH method," Proc., 62nd JSASS/JSME/JAXA Structures Conference, 2020. (in Japanese)
H. Kato, Y. Satou, K. Yoshikawa, M. Otsuki, H. Sawada, T. Kuratomi, and N. Hidaka. "Subsurface Sampling Robot for Time-limited Asteroid Exploration," in Proceedings of IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), pp.1925-1932, Las Vegas, 2020.
 
 
 
Tribology in Space
Last updated: April 20, 2025

Satou led the research group on "Development of Polymer-Based Solid Lubricants for Spacecraft and Prediction of Wear Life" from 2020 to 2022, which is supported by ISAS Strategic Development Research Program. After that, he has been leading group on "Improvement of reliability of solid lubricants for mechanical components used in space explorers".

In exploration missions, the materials that are likely to come into contact with the sample are limited due to the sample analysis. For this reason, we are developing solid lubricants that can withstand long-term storage and have long wear life even if it’s contaminant-free.

tribology

We have accumulated knowledge on the implementation of several types of solid lubricants developed for sample return in mechanical components, and we aim to collaborate with relevant parties to compile this knowledge into a handbook so that it can be used immediately in future exploration missions.

References
Noriko Matsuoka, Hitoshi Hamori, Shunichi Kawamura, Yasutaka Sato, Koji Matsumoto, Kazuhiko Yamada, Conceptual Design and an Experiment of Capsule Transport Mechanism for Future Sample Return Mission, 68th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 2I05, Himeji, 5-8 November 2024. (in Jaapanese)
Yasuhiro Maeda, Yasutaka Satou, Kosei Ishimura, Deformation characteristics of solid lubricants for sample return under line contact, 65th JSASS Structures Conference, Shimane, August 2023.
 
 
Lightweight Extensible Boom
Last updated: April 20, 2025

Lightweight extendable masts such as the Simplex mast, Higeless mast, and AstoMast have been widely used in space missions. Recently, there has been an increasing number of missions requiring high-storage-efficiency, lightweight, and high-rigidity extendable masts (booms) for space vehicles with strict mass constraints, such as deep-space explorers and ultra-small satellites. In response, our laboratory has been developing design and analysis theories for various booms, verifying them through experimental models, and collaborating with companies and other research laboratories to develop extendable booms for space applications.

We are currently applying these results to the following missions.

  • Extensible boom for magnetometer (Comet Interceptor mission)
  • Self-deployable rectenna (Wireless power transmission mission)
  • Solar sail structure (PIERIS mission)
  • Extensible mast and dipole antenna for lunar environment (Lunar observatory mission)
  • Thin membrane solar array paddle (OPENS-0 mission)

boom

In addition, we are focusing on self-extending booms and are developing small holding and release mechanisms, extension speed control devices, and latch mechanisms necessary for this purpose. Furthermore, we are conducting research on retractable trusses using bistable booms.

References
Naoki Hata, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Ryuki Mikai, Takeru Nakamura, Design and development of compact rotary damper for space use, 68th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4I04, Himeji, 5-8 November 3011. (in Jaapanese)
Yasutaka Satou, Hirohide Shiratori, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Satoru Kasahara, , Naofumi Murata, Ayako Matsuoka, Kazuki Watanabe, Nobuomi Sakamoto, Preliminary Design of Extensible CFRP Boom for Comet Interceptor’s Magnetic Sensor, 66th JSASS Structures Conference, 2A11, Tosu, 31 July - 2 August 2024. (in Japanese)
Yurika Hara, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Yasutaka Satou, Hirohide Shiratori, Study of extension and latching mechanism of open-section CFRP bistable boom, 66th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4L02, Toyama, 17-20 October 2023. (in Japanese)
Daisuke Nakayama, Yukari Ono, Takahiro Yumoto, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Osamu mori, Development of Self-Deployable Dipole Antenna, 66th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4L01, Toyama, 17-20 October 2023. (in Japanese)
Ryuki Mikai, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Proposal for a re-storable truss type deployment structure with bi-stable booms, 66th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 3L15, Toyama, 17-20 October 2023. (in Japanese)
 
 
 
Future Large Space Structure
Last updated: April 20, 2025

We aim to pioneer the future using large, lightweight space structures, and are conducting research on methods for constructing large space structures, including deployment structures, assembly in orbit, and manufacturing.

We hope to develop this research into the field of "ultra-large space structure engineering."

References
Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Application and Challenges of Ultra-lightweight Thin Membrane Structure in Large Space Systems, 2nd Study group on commercialization of microwave wireless power transmission technology, 21 February 2025.
Munetaka UENO, Hayato Ohkuma, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Osamu Mori, JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub's New Initiatives: Goals in the Field of Assembly & Manufacturing, 68th JSASS Space Science and Technology Conference, 4M18, Himeji, 5-8 November 2024. (in Jaapanese)
Takeru Nakamura, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Proposal of Starshade Technology Demonstration Mission "Euryops" using micro-satellites," ASJ Autumn Annual Meeting 2025, Z130b, Kobe, 11-13 September 2024. (in Japanese)
Takeru Nakamura, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Mission Study of Starshade Technology Demonstration Satellite, COSPAR 2021, E1.20-0008-21, 28 January - 4 February 2021.