Derivation of different types of antenna reflectors from the principle of highly flexible structures

Antenna reflectors might require stowage in launcher and in-orbit deployment due to their size or limited launcher payload volume, and alternatively or in parallel also some shaping possibly even during in-orbit operation might be needed. Such cases can be handled by Carbon fiber reinforced silicone materials (CFRS) and related reflecting surfaces. This results into relatively highly flexible parts and structural reflecting surfaces being supported and sufficiently stiffened in space by certain types of rear structures. The parameters of CFRS materials and components can be relatively easily tailored to different conceptual and system needs. Different reflector concepts such as large and small deployable, shaped or geometrically reconfigurable ones presented. This discussion includes analytical and experimental investigations ranging from material to partly scaled laboratory model levels. It is shown that CFRS and related flexible structures are an enabling technology for such reflectors, also satisfying RF and general space requirements.