Dielectric support threads for satellite antenna radiating elements and other payloads

Abstract

Provided are systems and methods for a radiating element assembly, for an antenna. The radiating element assembly includes a radiating element for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves and a radiating element support system for physically supporting the radiating element when in operation. The radiating element support system includes a plurality of dielectric support threads, where the plurality of dielectric support threads act as non-linear structural links which interconnect the radiating element to constrain the radiating element in one or more of an axial direction, radial direction, and torsional direction, and the plurality of dielectric support threads are taut with near zero tension, and at least one support wherein the plurality of threads interconnect the radiating element with the at least one support to constrain the radiating element in the axial and/or radial and/or torsional directions. The radiating element support system may be used to constrain other satellite payloads.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.