Deployable Ka-Band Reflectarray

Tyvak, in collaboration with UCLA, proposes a novel approach to the challenge of creating a large reflector for Ka-band high data rate links. We propose to attach the primary reflector surface permanently to the surface of a 6U spacecraft and illuminate the reflector using a Cassegrain style subreflector with an illuminating antenna that is permanently mounted to the transmitter / receiver inside the satellite. While other approaches focus on deploying the reflector surface itself, including Tyvak?s own deployable dish project, this proposed innovation uses minimal moving parts to achieve a high gain design.