Determining the Optimal Position and Number of Adaptation Units in Mirror Antenna Structures to Compensate for External Factors

A method for the optimal design of adaptation units for changing the reflective surface shape of a millimeter-range reflector has been developed in order to provide the specified requirements for the accuracy and shape stability of the working surface in the course of operation for the intended purpose. The reliability of the developed method is provided by a detailed mathematical description of the reflector design and adaptation units. The use of a multistaged control algorithm makes it possible to adjust the reflector shape with the required accuracy with the use of the chosen arrangement of adaptation units and their design. The results of this work are used in the course of an a priori adaptation of the reflector in the scope of ground operation and can also be used as a basis for a method for autonomous orbital adjustment of the reflector.