Advanced Deployable/Inflatable Antenna Apertures at Frequencies up to Millimeter-Wave

Opterus addresses the small spacecraft reflector challenge with its patent pending Spiral Wrapped Antenna Technology (SWATH). SWATH is a fully continuous, solid surface deployable parabolic reflector architecture. The continuous solid surface enables higher frequency operation than mesh systems at lower costs. SWATH leverages Opterus’ high strain composite (HSC) material technologies as the primary structural element; this material innovation provides material stiffness within the reflector shell while accommodating high bending strains to stow extremely compactly, readily conforming to CubeSat and SmallSat form factors. Further, SWATH leverages a mold-based manufacturing process for low-cost, rapid manufacturability.