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The Reflect Array antenna transmits radar waves from space to Earth.
Challenges
Designing a deployable antenna, that would operate flawlessly in space, comes with a set of highly specific challenges:
- The antenna had to be made in a way so that it could be stowed in a small area while maintaining its structural integrity. It should also be able to deploy smoothly in space and without the launch load.
- The reflectarray has to deploy reliably and maintain its intended shape to meet phase requirements for optimal performance. All misalignments risk degrading antenna efficiency.
- Choosing the right material for reduced mass is no easy feat. It. must be balanced with the RF efficiency needed for the antenna to endure launch loads and meet objectives in space.
- Accounting for thermal distortions. Most space environments cause thermal expansion, which tends to interfere with antenna shape and performance.
- Accounting for the granular mechanical complexity of the contraption. Installing hinges, latches and hold-down release mechanics takes up engineering effort and requires more blank space on the reflectarray. This, in turn, can degrade the antenna’s aperture efficiency.
