Furlable Microwave Antenna Reflector

This proposal addresses technical issues associated with the development of a large aperture, accurate, furlable, microwave antenna reflector. Our proposed innovation involves the use of a thin membrane of graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE), cured into the desired parabolic surface for the microwave reflective surface. In the stowed (furled) configuration, this membrane is rolled to a compact package, then restrained. This compaction allows a large aperture reflector to be launched by current vehicles with limited payload volumes. Once the reflector is in the desired orbit, the restraint system is released and the membrane reflector unrolls on its own according to the as-cured parabolic shape. This innovation offers a combination of advantages which other options such as wrapped rib/mesh, umbrella mesh, and segmented pedals do not. The furlable concept offers the potential for excellent surface accuracy, making it suitable for high-frequency use. This concept is also electrically continuous, further enhancing its suitability, and has a simple mechanical design, requiring no complex mechanims, nor their associated reliability problems during deployment.