Abstract: Based on Stein-Hedgepeth wrinkling theory, wrinkling characteristics were analyzed by introducing a concept of contraction factor. The wrinkling behavior analysis was performed by incorporating the wrinkling stress equilibrium equations and the wrinkling criterions. The analytical method was extended to the three-dimensional inflatable membrane boom to obtain the bending-wrinkling characteristics. The critical wrinkling moment and failure moment were then obtained based on the assumptions in membrane theory. The influence of the radius and inflated pressure on the moment of inflatable boom was evaluated in the end. A bending-wrinkling experiment was performed to verify the accuracy of the analytical results. The experimental results show good agreement with the analytical results.