A novel deployable open ends support reflector

Abstract EN

This paper presents an improved deployable reflector concept for an Earth observation mission that requires a low-cost L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.

The required reflector shape is an offset parabolic cylinder with an arc length of 7.888 m and a width of 3.2 m.

A novel hollow solid structural concept is proposed that comprises curved surfaces formed from thin sheets of carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) connected by flexible hinges along the edges.

This proposed structure has very high stiffness-to-weight-ratio, because of its thin-walled box-type construction.

A preliminary design of the full-scale structure in deployed configuration, which has an estimated mass 22.5 kg and 18.665 kg and fundamental natural frequency of 0.72 Hz and 0.64 Hz before and after the optimization analysis respectively, is presented in the paper.

This is 3.5 to 4.2 times lighter than the traditional reflector structure, made from lightweight curved panels with self-locking hinges.

A detailed study of a quarter-scale technology demonstrator made of 0.6mm thick thermoplastic (nylon), including design, manufacture and testing is also presented.