Hybrid inflatable antenna

An inflatable antenna system combining a fixed aperture with an inflatable aperture that greatly increases the reflector size of the antenna system. The fixed portion provides a "risk buffer" in that a moderate gain capability is retained in the event of an inflation failure. In a paraboli...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors CLIFF E. WILLEY, WILLIAM E. SKULLNEY, ROBERT S. BOKULIC, RONALD C. SCHULZ
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 24.04.2001
Edition7
Subjects
AIRCRAFT
ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
AVIATION
BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
COSMONAUTICS
ELECTRICITY
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
TRANSPORTING
VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:An inflatable antenna system combining a fixed aperture with an inflatable aperture that greatly increases the reflector size of the antenna system. The fixed portion provides a "risk buffer" in that a moderate gain capability is retained in the event of an inflation failure. In a parabolic dish embodiment, an inflatable annulus is stowed compactly under a fixed dish to fit a variety of spacecraft and launch vehicle envelopes. Moderate gas pressure deploys the inflatable portion, which forms a larger reflector surface. After inflation, the materials that form the inflated reflector surface can be made rigid. A fixed feed system for the smaller fixed dish assures operation of the smaller fixed dish throughout the mission. Moreover, the smaller fixed antenna can receive signals that can be used to derive pointing information used to point the larger inflated antenna in a particular direction thus providing a dual-use capability. An optional sub-reflector feed system can be used to correct for surface shape deformations of the inflatable antenna.
Bibliography:Application Number: AU20000073848