Development of Truss-Type Deployable Mesh Reflector Antenna, Part 1: 1.5 m-Scale Mesh Antenna

This study is an initial study for the development of a large truss-type deployable mesh antenna, and it involved the development process of a 1.5 m-scale deployable mesh antenna. The geometric characteristics of the reflector were considered for the initial net design. Based on the antenna’s operating frequency, the L-band, the surface root mean square (RMS) error and focal length/diameter (F/D) ratio of the reflector were calculated. Design requirements for the antenna’s weight, stowed/deployed dimensions, and fundamental frequency were established. The material properties of each component were applied to the design model, and the geometric dimensions were verified to ensure that the weight and stowed/deployed design were fulfilled. The fundamental frequency requirements under stowed/deployed conditions were verified through modal analysis, and the structural deformation of the ring truss was confirmed through load analysis. The reflector antenna was assembled to the ring truss with the net and mesh, according to the assembly procedure. The curvature of the reflector surface was shaped by adjusting the bolt length of the tension control device. Using V-Stars, a specialized surface error measurement device, the surface RMS error requirements for the reflector were confirmed to be satisfied. Finally, the development verification of the antenna was completed by performing repeated deployment and a thermal vacuum test.