The development of information and transport space systems will necessitate the creation of large-scale space structures. A specific category of these space structures is comprised of transformable systems which designs are based on automated configuration changes. The transport and deployed operating states of transformable space systems can vary in dimensions by tens of times, with force actuators carrying out the deployment process. The most suitable force actuator for use in transformable space structures would be an actuator with active elements made of titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect. These active elements have the ability to generate significant force while also offering reliability, compactness, light weight and low power consumption. During testing, spring elements were used to simulate the working load applied to the active element. One of the key parameters of the active element of the actuator used to deploy transformable space structures is its deformation and force characteristic. The study of the stress-strain characteristic was conducted under two loading conditions: in the first instance, the load was varied during the test, while in the second instance, it was kept constant. When operating under axial compression, active elements exhibit a significant recovering force (actuation force), while their movements (working strokes) are relatively small. Large movements of the active element of the force actuator require its significant linear dimensions. The paper experimentally demonstrates the existence of technical solutions that contribute to a significant reduction in the dimensions of force actuators that utilize these active elements. The conducted experimental and theoretical studies on the active elements of a force actuator made of titanium nickelide (wire with a diameter of 1.5 millimeters) has demonstrated the fundamental possibility for developing an actuator capable of deploying promising large-scale transformable space structures.