Dual boom deployable parabolic trough reflector

A deployable trough structure, comprising:

• a first telescoping boom;
• at least first and second bulkheads coupled to the first telescoping boom;
• a flexible element that is (a) coupled to a distal end of a first telescoping segment of the telescoping boom by the first bulkhead, and (b) coupled to a distal end of a second telescoping segment of the first telescoping boom by the second bulkhead;
• a drive train assembly that causes the first telescoping segment of the first telescoping boom to move in a first direction away from a proximal end of the first telescoping boom;
• a coupler for coupling the first telescoping segment to the second telescoping segment of the first telescoping boom when the first telescoping segment reaches an extended position;
• at least one first feed panel having a variable geometry transitionable between a folded geometry to an unfolded geometry as the first telescoping segment is moved in the first direction;
• and
• a second feed panel that is provided at the proximal end of the first telescoping boom and that has a static geometry;
• wherein the flexible element transitions from an untensioned state to a tensioned state as the first telescoping segment is moved in the first direction, the flexible element having a parabolic trough shape when in the tensioned state.