Unfurlable sparse array reflector system
AssigneeSpace Systems/Loral, Inc.
InventorScott O. Peck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An unfurlable reflector antenna system having one or more unfurlable arms that are each shaped in the form of a parabolic right cylinder when it is unfurled. Each arm comprises an RF reflecting membrane or a thin shell as the reflector structure. Each arm is coupled by way of a line feed to a receiver. The system is specifically designed for use on a spacecraft. Each arm may be stowed by flattening the parabolic membrane or shell, and then rolling up the arm, which is accomplished without stretching. The sparse reflector antenna array system is thus stowable in a compact configuration, yet easily unfurls to provide a very large diameter lightweight reflector.
Claims16
An unfurlable sparse reflector antenna array system comprising:
- one or more unfurlable RF reflecting arms, each shaped as a parabolic right cylinder when it is unfurled;
- and
- a line feed coupled to each arm.
An unfurlable sparse reflector antenna array system for use on a spacecraft, comprising:
- one or more unfurlable RF reflecting arms disposed on the spacecraft that are each shaped as a parabolic right cylinder when it is unfurled;
- and
- a line feed coupled to each arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.