Putting even lightweight metal structures into orbit is costly and complex.

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These flexible, lightweight materials can be used as tents and similar structures that provide shelter and convert sunlight into electricity.

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Technologies being tested in the program include advanced guidance, navigation and control, thermal protection systems, avionics, high temperature structures and seals, conformal reusable insulation, lightweight electromechanical flight systems, and autonomous orbital flight, reentry and landing.

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Space-worthy inflatable structures have been around since the 1960s and are lightweight, compact in transit and easy to assemble on landing.

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