Compactly stowable thin continuous surface-based antenna having radial and perimeter stiffeners that deploy and maintain antenna surface in prescribed surface geometry

摘要

A space deployable antenna reflector surface is formed as a continuous laminate that is shaped to conform with a prescribed energy-focusing surface geometry. The laminate is formed of very thin layers of flexible material, such as very thin sheets of graphite epoxy, containing collapsible radial and perimeter stiffening regions or stiffeners. Due to its thinness, the reflector laminate is collapsible into a folded shape, that facilitates stowage in a restricted volume, such as aboard the space shuttle. The stiffening elements of the laminate antenna structure of the invention facilitate deploying and maintaining the reflector in its intended geometric shape, and collapsing the reflector laminate into a compact serpentine stowed configuration.