AIAA Gossamer Spacecraft Program Committee

The Gossamer Spacecraft Program Committee (GSPC) is an advocacy group for research, development, and applications involving ultra-lightweight inflatable and membrane structures for satellites and spacecraft. In this context, "gossamer" means those forms of spacecraft that are exceptionally low in mass, and are able to be packaged into very small volumes, compared to conventional spacecraft. This class of spacecraft includes radar and communications antennas, solar sails, sunshields, solar arrays, ballutes and aerobrakes, impact attenuation airbags, habitats, and other systems.

The committee's purview encompasses mission concepts, research, design, development, ground testing, flight testing, and certification of components and systems; systems integration on spacecraft; research in relevant technologies; educational support; and political advocacy. With representation from many countries, the GSPC is an international open forum on the current status and emerging technology needs in this field.

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