The paper is a critical review of different structural systems that have been proposed to date for the purpose of deployable space enclosure. The structural systems are classified by their morphological and kinematic characteristics, and comparatively evaluated in terms of their structural efficiency, technical complexity and deployment/stowage efficiencies. Although the main focus is on kinematically deployable structures, some retractable and dismountable configurations are also reviewed. The paper includes an extended list of references.

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Double-layer tensegrity domes are formed from double-layer tensegrity grids (DLTGs) with cured surfaces. Typically such domes consist of truncated pyramidal units or their derivatives joined together. Unlike flat DLTGs, the geometric configuration of the dome involves shape finding. The initial, prestressed geometry depends on the constraints governing the construction of the dome. Both shape finding and load analysis involve geometric non-linearities, but the extent of nonlinear behaviour under load, i.e. the magnitude of deflections, depends on a number of factors. While tensegrity structures, like other prestressed cable networks, are often geometrically flexible, geometrically rigid configurations, involving only elastic deformations, are feasible.

Tensegrity grids are internally prestressed cable networks, in which the cables are prestressed against a disjointed system of bars. These structures are inherently collapsible and deployable in the nonprestressed state. In double-layer tensegirity grids, the bars are relatively short, producing a compact packing in the collapsed state. In the deployed prestressed state, geometrically rigid as well as geometrically flexible configurations are feasible. Flat or curved surfaces can be generated. Deployability and prestress are achieved through the extension of bars, shortening of cables or a combination of both techniques. A description of the system and some analytical results and deployable models are presented.