Low Cost Deployable Reflector Support Structure

A variety of DoD and commercial space-based RF applications have motivated substantial development of deployable antenna reflectors over the last few decades. Of the multiple reflector architectures that have been developed, mesh antenna systems have dominated the medium-to-large (5 – 20 m) reflector markets. As operating frequencies extend beyond 10 GHz into the Ku and Ka bands, reflector surface precision requirements lead to high part count and fabrication cost for mesh architectures. Even with the relative maturity of mesh antenna systems, demand remains high for a more cost effective approach to antenna reflector deployment. The proposed precision deployable reflector system will offer a design solution that combines a thin membrane composite reflector with a concentrated strain deployable reflector boom to produce a highly capable, reliable and cost effective solution to critical DoD and commercial applications including frequencies through the Ka band. The proposal will develop a packaging architecture that will provide scalability of the reflector system from 1 to greater than 5 meters in diameter while meeting surface profile requirements to meet broadband frequency needs. The reflector apertures will be adaptable for on and off axis feed geometries.