Inflatable space antennas-a brief overview

Abstract

The use of inflatable structures in space has both fascinated and challenged many in the space community for forty years or more. The authors present some history on the evolution of precision inflatable reflector design from simpler inflatable structures that have flown in space. Examples of reflectors that have been ground tested are presented and discussed, followed by a description of the Inflatable Antenna Experiment off the Shuttle in 1996. Results from the surface accuracy measurements of some of these reflectors are also presented, along with measured and calculated RF gain and beam patterns of the 3-meter L'Garde Demonstrator Program (LDP) reflector. Finally, the authors comment on the current status of space inflatable reflector technology at L'Garde.