Multi-diameter reflector and ring therefor and method of assembling multi-diameter reflectors

A method of assembling a multi-diameter reflector, the reflector including at least one reflector shell sandwich and at least one multi-diameter ring laminate for maintaining stiffness in the at least one reflector shell sandwich, the method comprising:

• manufacturing a thick panel sandwich;
• manufacturing the at least one reflector shell sandwich;
• manufacturing the at least one multi-diameter ring laminate;
• defining a desired shape of each multi-diameter ring laminate and maintaining the shape by using tooling;
• dry-fitting and bonding each multi-diameter ring laminate to the thick panel with a structural adhesive;
• mapping and correcting the shape of the shell to the desired shape by using tooling;
• and
• dry-fitting and bonding each shell to a respective multi-diameter ring laminate with structural adhesive.