Hybrid inflatable antenna

• Main Authors: CLIFF E. WILLEY, WILLIAM E. SKULLNEY, ROBERT S. BOKULIC, RONALD C. SCHULZ
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.04.2001
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: AIRCRAFT; ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS; AVIATION; BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; COSMONAUTICS; ELECTRICITY; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

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.