Affordable, Producible, Precision RF Reflectors from Membrane Aperture Shell Technology

The proposed scalable reflective RF aperture approach based on Mevicon Incs’ Membrane Aperture Shell Technology (MAST) is an innovative combination of 1)very low areal density (40 to 200 g/m2), smooth (<2 um rms), space heritage, RF-reflective coated membrane thin films, 2)advanced responsive fabrication techniques that transform the films into self supporting shells through the introduction of permanent double curvature, 3)demonstrated RF performance (variety of S to Ka-Band configurations successfully range tested), 4)demonstrated compact roll stowage and zero-power, zero-pressure passive self deployment and zero energy rigidization, and 5)ability to be compactly integrated with a range of stowable support structure architectures. Space structures and microsatellite phase II partners see strong potential payoffs. Proven stowage and passive deployment techniques enable moving rapidly towards transition to space flight demonstrations. Building on the Phase I successes, we will, together with our Phase II industry transition partners, identify and down select to one microsatellite or scalable repeated element structure concept, perform detail design and component studies, develop demonstrators and “readiness for flight” testsbeds, and develop a flight design, thereby improving TRL levels. This will prepare the way for a space flight demonstration which is a key step in any realistic commercialization plan for space hardware.