摘要 |
<p>An improved hydraulic reflector is provided for use as an antenna or solar reflector or the like, wherein the reflector is collapsible for highly compact stowage within a space vehicle and for convenient deployment in space to an expanded, generally dish-shaped configuration. The reflector comprises a rigid central dish hinged to a peripheral array of hingedly interconnected rigid panels which in turn carry a peripheral array of outwardly radiating extension ribs supporting an outer ring of flexible reflector material. The rigid panels and the extension ribs are movable together between a collapsed state folded substantially into a cylindrical envelope defined by the diametric size of the rigid central dish and a deployed configuration lying generally within a surface of revolution common to the central dish, such as a paraboloid surface in the case of an antenna.</p> |