This research presents methods for modeling and optimizing an origami design using compliant mechanisms, improving origami design processes, modeling and analyzing rolling behavior of compliant designs, and an antenna design for SmallSats. A framework for the optimization of the origami Flasher pattern to mitigate issues with rigid-foldability is shown, and several optimization solutions are presented to overcome these issues. An alternative design method is presented which allows designers to more accurately predict the characteristics of a design in the deployed state, and configurations are shown for an example use case. A model for rolled gossamer structures is presented which predicts the relative slippage that adjacent panels will experience, and slippage trends are correlated with key pattern parameters. Finally, a SmallSat antenna design is presented, which stows compactly, incorporates a unique hinge design, utilizes magnets for stabilization in the deployed state, and self-deploys using compliant mechanisms.