Folding truss

An improved truss is disclosed that is deployable from a folded, or stowed position to an extended, or deployed position. The truss design facilitates compact storage and is particularly apt for space craft applications. In one aspect of the invention, a truss assembly is provided that includes at least three interconnected truss member sets, each of the truss member sets including first and second truss members that are pivotably interconnected, wherein the truss member sets combinatively define a polygonal structure in the deployed position. The first and second truss members of at least one of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold inwardly when in the folded position, and the first and second truss members of a second of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold outwardly when in the folded position. Inboard and outboard supports may be provided at each end of the truss assembly for supportable mounting within a bay of a spacecraft, and for supportably receiving instrumentation and/or additional truss assemblies thereupon, respectively.