COMPACTLY STOWABLE, THIN CONTINUOUS SURFACE-BASED ANTENNA HAVING RADIAL AND PERIMETER STIFFNESS THAT DELPOY AND MAINTAIN ANTENNA SURFACEIN PRESCRIBED SURFACE GEOMETRY

摘要

A space deployable antenna reflector surface is formed as a continuous laminate that is shaped to conform with a predetermined energy-focusing surface geometry. The laminate is formed of thin layers of flexible material , such as thin sheets of graphite epoxy, containing collapsible radial and perimeter stiffening regions. Due to its thinness, the reflector laminate is collapseible into a folder shape, that facilitates stowage in a restricted volume, usch as aboard the space shuttle. The stiffening elements of the mlaminate antenna structure facilitate depolying and maintaining the reflect or in its intended geometric shape.