Twenty-two papers by NASA, military, academic, and industry researchers address many issues associated with the technology of space-based gossamer structures, or large, ultralight spacecraft. Applications for membrane and inflatable structures in space include lunar and planetary habitats, radio frequency reflectors and wave guides, optical and infrared imaging, and solar concentrators for power and propulsion. The reference includes a broad overview of membrane/inflatable applications in space technology, a historical review, and coverage of aspects from the physics and processing of materials to concepts for the design of space-mission applications. Lacks a subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)