Large reflector inflatable space-based telescope
AssigneeSouthwest Research Institute
InventorsWilliam Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.
Claims20
A large reflector inflatable telescope, comprising:
- an inflatable hull, made from flexible film and having a generally conical lower portion and a generally hemispherical upper portion;
- wherein the conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves;
- an inner reflector, made from a flexible film and interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion, thereby making the conical portion and the hemispherical portion inflatable at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic;
- and
- wherein the reflector is reflective on a surface of the reflector facing into the conical portion.
A large reflector inflatable telescope having an adjustable reflector, comprising:
- an inflatable hull, made from flexible film and having a generally conical lower portion and a generally hemispherical upper portion;
- wherein the conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves;
- an inner reflector, made from a flexible film and interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion, thereby making the conical portion and the hemispherical portion inflatable at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic;
- and
- wherein the reflector is reflective on a surface of the reflector facing into the conical portion, and is electrically conductive;
- a flexible membrane within the hemispherical hull portion and spaced from the reflector to form a compartment behind the reflector;
- an electrode grid covering the surface of the membrane;
- and
- a reflector adjustment controller operable to electrically activate electrodes of the electrode grid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.