Space deployable inflatable antenna apparatus and associated methods

A spacecraft comprising:

• a transceiver;
• and
• an outer space deployable antenna apparatus coupled to said transceiver and comprising
• an inflatable antenna configurable between a deflated storage position and an inflated deployed position in outer space and comprising a plurality of collapsible tubular elements coupled together in fluid communication, said plurality of collapsible tubular elements in the deployed position in outer space comprising
• a longitudinally extending boom tubular element having a proximal end and a free floating distal end,
• at least one driven tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element, and comprising a dielectric tube and a pair of spaced apart conductive layers thereon, with each conductive layer having an antenna feed point,
• at least one reflector tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element, and
• at least one director tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element;
• and
• a foam dispenser configured to inject a solidifiable foam into said inflatable antenna to configure to the inflated deployed position in outer space.

A method for deploying an inflatable antenna in outer space comprising:

• storing the inflatable antenna in a deflated storage position;
• and
• when in outer space injecting a solidifiable foam from a foam dispenser into the inflatable antenna to configure to an inflated deployed position in outer space, with the plurality of collapsible tubular elements being coupled together in fluid communication in the deployed position in outer space and comprising
• a longitudinally extending boom tubular element having a proximal end and a free floating distal end,
• at least one driven tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element, and comprising a dielectric tube and a pair of spaced apart conductive layers thereon, with each conductive layer having an antenna feed point,
• at least one reflector tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element, and
• at least one director tubular conductive element having opposing free floating ends and transverse to said boom tubular element.