Balloon reflector antenna
AssigneesArizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona, Southwest Research Institute
InventorsChristopher K. Walker, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
Claims20
A balloon reflector antenna, comprising:
- a spherical balloon with a first hemisphere comprising a transparent surface that is transparent to electromagnetic waves and a second hemisphere, opposite the first hemisphere, comprising a reflective surface having a line of focus;
- and
- a stationary feed system extending along one or more radial lines from a center of the spherical balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface along the line of focus.
A method of making a balloon reflector antenna, the method comprising:
- providing a spherical balloon with a first hemisphere comprising a transparent surface that is transparent to electromagnetic waves and a second hemisphere, opposite the first hemisphere, comprising a reflective surface having a line of focus;
- and
- providing a stationary feed system extending along one or more radial lines from the center of balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface along the line of focus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.