Deployable reflector

Abstract

A reflector assembly including a truss engaging the first net at a first plurality of points along the first net perimeter edge and engaging a second net at a second plurality of points along the second net perimeter edge. A truss deployment assembly moves the truss between a truss stowed condition and a truss deployed condition, the truss in the truss deployed condition tensioning said first net or said second net to maintain a substantially flat or parabolic net outer surface. A reflector disposed at the first net sends or receives remote data.

Description

DEPLOYABLE REFLECTOR I. TECHNICAL FIELD The specification relates to deployable reflectors, and in particular to reflectors configured for aerospace and terrestrial systems. II. BACKGROUND Reflectors are commonly used in communication and remote sensing systems. Traditional reflectors often require complex, heavy support structures, making them difficult to deploy and stow, particularly in aerospace and terrestrial applications. III. SUMMARY The described apparatus addresses challenges related to maintaining a flat or parabolic reflector surface in a collapsible reflector system. The system includes a truss engaged with tensioned nets and a deployment assembly utilizing a spool and ribs to position the truss, ensuring the desired reflector surface is achieved. An aspect of the specification provides an apparatus that includes a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. A second net extends from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, with the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net outer surface. A truss is engaged to the first net at a first plurality of points along the first net perimeter edge and to the second net at a second plurality of points along the second net perimeter edge, where each of the first plurality of points is aligned with one of the second plurality of points. A truss deployment assembly includes a spool rotatable about a spool longitudinal center axis and a plurality of ribs. Each rib has a rib length disposed between a corresponding rib first end and rib second end. The rib first ends are coupled to the spool, and the rib second ends are correspondingly coupled to the truss. The plurality of ribs are configured to reversibly wind around the spool to radially position the rib second ends, thereby moving the truss between a truss stowed condition and a truss deployed condition. In one example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of tension ties extending between corresponding net polyhedron vertices. In another example, the truss includes a plurality of battens, each batten having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each batten extends between one of the first plurality of points on the first net and a corresponding aligned one of the second plurality of points on the second net. In one example, the truss includes a first longeron connecting each of the plurality of battens to an adjacent one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten first ends. In another example, the truss includes a second longeron connecting each of the plurality of battens to an adjacent one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten second ends. In one example, the truss includes a first diagonal member connecting one of the batten first ends of each of the plurality of battens to a batten second end of an adjacent batten. In another example, the truss includes a second diagonal member connecting the batten second end of each batten to the batten first end of an adjacent batten. In one example, the rib second ends are medially coupled to one of the plurality of battens along the batten length, disposing the truss deployment assembly between the first net and the second net. In another example, the rib second ends are laterally coupled to one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten first end or the batten second end, disposing the truss deployment assembly outward of the first or second net. In one example, the apparatus further includes a batten-rib interface assembly disposed between at least one of the plurality of battens and a corresponding rib second end. The batten-rib interface assembly includes a resilient springing element coupled to the batten, an interface body movingly engaged to the resilient springing element, and an interface flange extending outward from the interface body and coupled to the rib second end. The resilient springing element deflects in response to loading from extension of a rib and corresponding tensioning of the truss. In another example, the resilient springing element includes a pair of resiliently flexible members having member first ends coupled to the batten. The member second ends are disposed in opposed relation a distance apart and resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In one example, the truss deployment assembly includes a plurality of pivoters disposed radially outward of the spool in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. Each pivoter is rotatable about a pivoter axis from a first position generally perpendicular to a spool diameter toward a second position oblique to the spool diameter. In another example, the truss deployment assembly further includes an upper spool flange and a lower spool flange correspondingly joined at opposite ends of the spool. The upper and lower spool flanges extend radially outward of the spool to define upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. The plurality of pivoters are disposed between the upper and lower spool flanges. In one example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of rib intercept elements disposed in spaced-apart intervals around the upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges. Each rib has a lesser rib width proximate the rib first end that is windable around the spool between the flanges. Each rib also includes a greater rib width distal to the lesser rib width, where the greater rib width is intercepted by the rib intercept elements and winds around the flange perimeter edges. In another example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of rib guides disposed radially outward of the plurality of pivoters in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. One of the rib guides correspondingly engages one of the ribs. In one example, each rib guide includes a pair of rib guides, where a first guide engages a rib first face and a second guide engages a rib second face. In another example, each rib guide includes a roller that engages the rib first face or the rib second face. In one example, one of the plurality of rib second ends is medially coupled to one of the plurality of battens along the batten length to dispose the truss deployment assembly between the first net and the second net. In another example, one of the plurality of rib second ends is laterally coupled to one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten first end or proximate the batten second end to dispose the truss deployment assembly outward of the first net or the second net. In one example, the apparatus further includes a batten-rib interface assembly disposed between at least one of the plurality of battens and a corresponding at least one of the plurality of rib second ends. The batten-rib interface assembly includes a resilient springing element coupled to the batten, an interface body movingly engaged to the resilient springing element, and an interface flange outwardly extending from the interface body and coupled to the corresponding rib second end. The resilient springing element deflects in response to loading from the extension of a rib and the corresponding tensioning of the truss. In another example, the resilient springing element comprises a pair of resiliently flexible members having a pair of member first ends each coupled to one of the plurality of battens. The pair of member second ends are disposed in opposed relation a distance apart and resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In one example, the apparatus further includes a second reflector disposed at the second net. In another example, the first reflector has a first reflector surface configured to receive a first frequency band, and the second reflector has a second reflector surface configured to receive a second frequency band. The first frequency band is delimited by upper and lower frequencies that are different from the second frequency band. In one example, the first reflector or the second reflector is selected from a reflecting membrane, a reflective mesh, a phased array, a reflectarray, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a first reflector coupled to a truss and a plurality of ribs. The ribs extend to tension the truss in a deployed condition. Each rib includes an electrically conductive path disposed along its rib length. The ribs form either a single-axis dipole antenna or a multi-axis dipole antenna when radially extended. In one example, the apparatus includes a motor for rotating the spool to move the ribs radially, positioning the truss between a stowed and deployed condition. In a further aspect, the specification provides an apparatus that includes a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. A second net extends from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net outer surface. A truss is engaged to the first net and the second net, wherein the truss includes a plurality of battens, each batten having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each of the plurality of battens extends between one of a first plurality of points of the first net and a corresponding aligned one of a second plurality of points of the second net. A truss deployment assembly includes at least one perimeter longeron that is removably connectable between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens to dispose the truss in a deployed condition. In one example, the at least one perimeter longeron includes two or three rectangular panels that are medially hinged and removably connected between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens. A further aspect of the specification provides an apparatus that includes a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. A second net extends from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net outer surface. A truss is engaged to the first net and the second net, wherein the truss includes a plurality of battens, each batten having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each of the plurality of battens extends between one of a first plurality of points of the first net and a corresponding aligned one of a second plurality of points of the second net. The apparatus further includes a truss deployment assembly that includes a first assembly of one or more elongate rods extending over the first net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of the batten first ends, and a second assembly of one or more elongate rods extending over the second net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of the batten second ends. An aspect of the specification provides an apparatus that includes a spool rotatable about a longitudinal center axis and a plurality of pivoters disposed radially outward of the spool in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. Each pivoter is rotatable about a pivoter axis from a pivoter first position generally perpendicular to a diameter of the spool toward a pivoter second position oblique to the spool diameter. In one example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of ribs having rib first ends and rib second ends. Each rib first end is correspondingly coupled to one of the pivoters, and the plurality of ribs are reversibly windable around the spool to radially position each of the rib second ends. In another example, the apparatus includes an upper spool flange and a lower spool flange correspondingly joined at opposite ends of the spool. The upper and lower spool flanges extend radially outward of the spool to define upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. The plurality of pivoters are disposed between the upper spool flange and the lower spool flange. In one example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of rib intercept elements disposed in spaced-apart intervals around the upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges. Each of the ribs has a lesser rib width proximate the rib first end that is windable around the spool between the upper and lower spool flanges. Each rib also includes a greater rib width distal to the lesser rib width, where the greater rib width is intercepted by the rib intercept elements to wind around the upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. In another example, the apparatus includes a plurality of rib guides disposed radially outward of the plurality of pivoters in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. Each rib guide correspondingly engages one of the plurality of ribs. In one example, each of the plurality of rib guides comprises a pair of rib guides, where a first rib guide engages a rib first face and a second rib guide engages a rib second face. In another example, each of the plurality of rib guides includes a roller that engages either the rib first face or the rib second face. In one example, the apparatus further includes a truss coupled to the plurality of rib second ends. The truss includes a plurality of battens, each having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each of the rib second ends is correspondingly medially coupled to one of the battens along the batten length. In another example, the apparatus further includes a batten-rib interface assembly disposed between at least one of the plurality of battens and a corresponding at least one of the rib second ends. The batten-rib interface assembly includes a resilient springing element coupled to the batten, an interface body movingly engaged to the resilient springing element, and an interface flange outwardly extending from the interface body and coupled to the rib second end. The resilient springing element deflects in response to loading from extension of the rib and corresponding tensioning of the truss. In one example, the resilient springing element comprises a pair of resiliently flexible members having member first ends coupled to the batten. The member second ends are disposed in opposed relation a distance apart and resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In another example, the apparatus further includes a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. A second net extends from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, with the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net. One of the battens extends between one of a first plurality of points along the first net perimeter edge and one of a second plurality of points along the second net perimeter edge, where the first plurality of points align with the second plurality of points. In one example, the first net and the second net, in the deployed condition of the truss, have a substantially flat or parabolic net surface extending from the first net center to the first net perimeter edge or from the second net center to the second net perimeter edge. In another example, the apparatus further includes a second reflector disposed at the second net. In one example, the first reflector has a first reflector surface configured to receive a first frequency band, and the second reflector has a second reflector surface configured to receive a second frequency band. The first frequency band is delimited by upper and lower frequencies different from those of the second frequency band. A yet further aspect of the specification provides a method in an apparatus that includes extending a first net from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. The method further includes extending a second net from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A reflector is disposed at the first net. The method further includes engaging a truss to the first net at a first plurality of points along the first net perimeter edge and engaging the truss to the second net at a second plurality of points along the second net perimeter edge, where each of the first plurality of points is aligned with one of the second plurality of points. The method includes rotating a spool about a spool longitudinal center axis and reversibly winding a plurality of ribs around the spool. The plurality of ribs has a corresponding plurality of rib first ends coupled to the spool and a plurality of rib second ends correspondingly coupled to the truss. The method further includes radially moving each of the rib second ends to position the truss between a truss stowed condition and a truss deployed condition, wherein the truss in the deployed condition tensions the first net or the second net to maintain a substantially flat or parabolic net outer surface. In one example, engaging the truss further includes disposing one of a plurality of battens between one of the first plurality of points and one of the second plurality of points. Each of the first plurality of points of the first net is coupled proximate to a corresponding batten first end of the plurality of battens, and each of the second plurality of points of the second net is coupled to a corresponding batten second end of the plurality of battens. Each batten has a length disposed between the batten first end and the batten second end, thereby positioning the first net a distance from the second net. In another example, the method further includes extending a plurality of tension ties between corresponding net polyhedron vertices. In one example, the method further includes connecting each of the plurality of battens to an adjacent one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten first ends with a first longeron. In another example, the method further includes connecting each of the plurality of battens to an adjacent one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten second ends with a second longeron. In one example, the method further includes connecting the batten first end of each of the plurality of battens to a batten second end of an adjacent batten with a first diagonal member. In another example, the method further includes connecting the batten second end of each of the plurality of battens to a batten first end of an adjacent batten with a second diagonal member. In one example, the method further comprises medially coupling the plurality of rib second ends to a corresponding one of the plurality of battens along the batten length to dispose the truss deployment assembly between the first net and the second net. In another example, the method further comprises laterally coupling the plurality of rib second ends to a corresponding one of the plurality of battens proximate the batten first end or proximate the batten second end to dispose the truss deployment assembly outward of the first net or the second net. In one example, the method further comprises disposing a batten-rib interface assembly between one of the plurality of battens and one of the plurality of rib second ends. The batten-rib interface assembly includes coupling a resilient springing element to one of the battens, movingly engaging an interface body to the resilient springing element, extending an interface flange outwardly from the interface body, and coupling one of the rib second ends to the interface flange. The resilient springing element deflects in response to a load resulting from the extension of a corresponding rib and the corresponding tensioning of the truss. In another example, coupling the resilient springing element to one of the plurality of battens further comprises coupling a pair of member first ends of a pair of resiliently flexible members to one of the plurality of battens. The method includes disposing a pair of member second ends of the flexible members in opposed relation a distance apart, where the member second ends resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In one example, operating the truss deployment assembly further comprises rotating a plurality of pivoters disposed radially outward of the spool in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. Each pivoter is rotated about a pivoter axis from a first position generally perpendicular to a spool diameter toward a second position oblique to the spool diameter. The plurality of ribs have rib first ends coupled to the pivoters and rib second ends coupled to one of a plurality of battens. In another example, the method further comprises joining an upper spool flange and a lower spool flange at opposite ends of the spool, where the upper and lower spool flanges extend radially outward of the spool to define upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. The plurality of pivoters are disposed between the upper and lower spool flanges. In one example, the method further comprises disposing a plurality of rib intercept elements in spaced-apart intervals around the upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges. Each rib has a lesser rib width proximate the rib first end, which is windable around the spool between the upper and lower spool flanges. Each rib further includes a greater rib width distal to the lesser rib width, where the greater rib width is intercepted by the rib intercept elements to wind around the upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. In another example, the method further comprises disposing a plurality of rib guides radially outward of the plurality of pivoters in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. One of the rib guides correspondingly engages one of the ribs. In one example, each of the rib guides comprises a pair of rib guides, where a first rib guide engages a rib first face and a second rib guide engages a rib second face. In another example, each of the rib guides includes a roller, and the method further comprises engaging the roller to the rib first face or the rib second face. An aspect of the specification provides a method that includes extending a first net from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. The method further includes extending a second net from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A reflector is disposed at the first net, and a truss is coupled to the reflector. The method further includes radially extending each of a plurality of rib second ends to tension the truss in a deployed condition, wherein pairs of ribs contain an electrically conductive material extending between the rib first end and the rib second end. The method further includes extending the pairs of the plurality of ribs as a single-axis dipole antenna or a multi-axis dipole antenna. In one example, the method further includes rotating the spool with a motor to move the plurality of ribs radially, positioning the truss between a stowed condition and a deployed condition. In another aspect, the method includes extending a first net from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. The method further includes extending a second net from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net outer surface. A truss is engaged to the first net and the second net, wherein the truss includes a plurality of battens each having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each batten extends between one of a first plurality of points on the first net and a corresponding aligned one of a second plurality of points on the second net. The method further includes removably connecting at least one perimeter longeron between adjacent pairs of the battens to dispose the truss in the deployed condition. In one example, the at least one perimeter longeron includes a pair of rectangular panels medially hinged and removably connected at each of four corners between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens. In another aspect, the method includes extending a first net from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. The method further includes extending a second net from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net outer surface. A truss is engaged to the first net and the second net, wherein the truss includes a plurality of battens each having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. Each batten extends between one of a first plurality of points of the first net and a corresponding aligned one of a second plurality of points of the second net. The method further includes extending a first assembly of one or more elongate rods over the first net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of the batten first ends, and extending a second assembly of one or more elongate rods over the second net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of the batten second ends. In one example, the method further comprises medially coupling one of the rib second ends to one of the battens along the batten length to dispose the truss deployment assembly between the first net and the second net. In another example, the method further comprises laterally coupling one of the rib second ends to one of the battens proximate the batten first end or proximate the batten second end to dispose the truss deployment assembly outward of the first net or the second net. In one example, the method further comprises disposing a batten-rib interface assembly between one of the battens and one of the rib second ends. The batten-rib interface assembly includes coupling a resilient springing element to the batten, movingly engaging an interface body to the resilient springing element, extending an interface flange outwardly from the interface body, and coupling one of the rib second ends to the interface flange. The resilient springing element deflects in response to a load resulting from extension of a corresponding rib and corresponding tensioning of the truss. In another example, coupling the resilient springing element to one of the battens further comprises coupling a pair of member first ends of a pair of resiliently flexible members to one of the battens. The method includes disposing a pair of member second ends in opposed relation a distance apart, where the member second ends resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In one example, the method further comprises disposing a second reflector at the second net. In another example, the method further comprises configuring a first reflector surface of the first reflector to receive a first frequency band and configuring a second reflector surface of the second reflector to receive a second frequency band, where the first frequency band is delimited by upper and lower frequencies different from the second frequency band. In one example, the method further comprises selecting the first or second reflector from the group consisting of a reflecting membrane, a reflective mesh, a phased array, a reflectarray, or combinations thereof. An aspect of the specification provides a method in an apparatus that includes positioning a spool rotatable about a spool longitudinal center axis and disposing a plurality of pivoters radially outward of the spool in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. Each pivoter is rotatable about a pivoter axis from a first position generally perpendicular to a diameter of the spool toward a second position oblique to the diameter of the spool. In one example, the method further comprises correspondingly coupling one of a plurality of ribs to the plurality of pivoters. Each rib has a rib length disposed between a rib first end and a rib second end. The plurality of ribs is reversibly windable around the spool to radially extendably retract each of the rib second ends. In another example, the method further comprises correspondingly joining an upper spool flange and a lower spool flange at opposite ends of the spool. The upper and lower spool flanges extend radially outward of the spool to define upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges, with the plurality of pivoters disposed between the upper spool flange and the lower spool flange. In one example, the method further comprises disposing a plurality of rib intercept elements in spaced-apart intervals around the upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges. Each rib has a lesser rib width proximate the rib first end, which is windable around the spool between the upper and lower spool flanges. Each rib further includes a greater rib width distal to the lesser rib width, where the greater rib width is intercepted by the rib intercept elements to wind around the upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges. In another example, the method further comprises disposing a plurality of rib guides radially outward of the plurality of pivoters in spaced-apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis. One of the rib guides correspondingly engages a rib first face or a rib second face of one of the plurality of ribs. In one example, each of the plurality of rib guides comprises a pair of rib guides, where a first rib guide engages a rib first face and a second rib guide engages a rib second face. In another example, the method further comprises rotatably coupling a roller on each of the pair of rib guides. The roller of the first rib guide engages the rib first face, and the roller of the second rib guide engages the rib second face. In one example, the method further comprises coupling a truss to the plurality of rib second ends. The truss includes a plurality of battens, each batten having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end. One of the rib second ends is medially coupled to one of the battens along the batten length. In another example, the method further comprises disposing a batten-rib interface assembly between one of the battens and one of the rib second ends. The batten-rib interface assembly includes coupling a resilient springing element to one of the battens, movingly engaging an interface body to the resilient springing element, and coupling an interface flange outwardly extending from the interface body to one of the rib second ends. The resilient springing element deflects in response to loading from extension of a rib and corresponding tensioning of the truss. In one example, the resilient springing element comprises a pair of resiliently flexible members having member first ends and member second ends. The method includes coupling each of the member first ends to one of the battens and disposing the member second ends in opposed relation a distance apart, where the member second ends resiliently deflect in response to movement of the interface body. In another example, the method further comprises extending a first net from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, the first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface. The method further includes extending a second net from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, the second net having a second net inner surface facing the first net inner surface. A first reflector is disposed at the first net, and one of the battens is coupled between one of a first plurality of points along the first net perimeter edge and one of a second plurality of points along the second net perimeter edge, where the first plurality of points aligns with the second plurality of points. In one example, the method further comprises tensioning the first net and the second net in the deployed condition of the truss, such that the first and second nets have a substantially flat or parabolic net surface extending from the first net center to the first net perimeter edge or from the second net center to the second net perimeter edge. In another example, the method further comprises disposing a second reflector at the second net. In one example, the method further comprises configuring a first reflector surface of the first reflector to receive a first frequency band and configuring a second reflector surface of the second reflector to receive a second frequency band, where the first frequency band is delimited by upper and lower frequencies different from the second frequency band. IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reflector assembly including a first net and second net (shown in part) tensioned by deployment assembly in a configuration of a parabolic reflector. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the reflector assembly having a parabolic reflector surface. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective of an embodiment of the reflector assembly having a flat reflector surface. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the reflector assembly having a flat reflector surface. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the reflector assembly having an offset fed configuration. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the reflector assembly having a center fed configuration. Figure 7 illustrates a method of sending and receiving remote data using embodiments of the reflector assembly. Figure 8A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a truss deployment assembly having plurality of axially extended ribs each joined at the center of a corresponding batten. Figure 8B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a truss deployment assembly having plurality of axially extended ribs each joined to a corresponding batten off center toward a batten first end and further including cross members extending between non-adjacent batten second ends. Figure 9A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a spool of the truss deployment assembly shown Figure 8. Figure 9B illustrates a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a rib that can be coupled to the spool shown in Figure 9A. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of an embodiment of the spool of the truss deployment assembly shown Figure 8A. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the hub assembly of the truss deployment assembly shown Figure 8. Figure 12 illustrates a perspective cross section view 12-12 shown in Figure 11 of the hub assembly of the truss deployment assembly shown Figure 8. Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the hub assembly and one of a plurality of ribs correspondingly coupled to a batten of the embodiment of a truss deployment assembly. Figure 14 illustrates a top plan view of the hub assembly and one of a plurality of ribs correspondingly coupled to a batten of the embodiment of a truss deployment assembly. Figure 15 illustrates a side plan view of the hub assembly and one of a plurality of ribs correspondingly coupled to a batten of the embodiment of a truss deployment assembly. Figure 16 illustrates a first perspective view of a batten-rib interface assembly of the embodiment of a truss deployment assembly shown in Figure 8. Figure 17 illustrates a second perspective view of the batten-rib interface assembly of the embodiment of a truss deployment assembly shown in Figure 8. Figure 18 illustrates a side cross section view 18-18 of the batten-rib interface assembly shown in Figure 14. Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the stowed condition of the truss deployment assembly shown in Figure 8 with omission of the longerons and diagonal members. Figure 20 illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the stowed condition of the truss deployment assembly shown in Figure 19. Figure 21 illustrates an elevation view of the embodiment of the stowed condition of the truss deployment assembly shown in Figure 19. Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the reflector assembly having the hub assembly disposed to one side of the reflector assembly outward of the first net or the second net outer surface. Figure 23 illustrates an embodiment of the reflector assembly having a truss tensioned by a first or second resilient rod assembly. Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of the reflector assembly having a truss tensioned by a plurality of perimeter longerons. Figure 25 illustrates an embodiment of a single or a multi-axis antenna including one or more pairs of extensible retractable opposing ribs further including an electrically conductive element extending between a rib first end and a rib second end. V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Now referring primarily to Figures 1 through 4, a reflector assembly (1) can include one or more of: a first net (2) extending from a first net center (3) to a first net perimeter edge (4), the first net (2) having a first net inner surface (5) and a first net outer surface (6); a second net (7) extending from a second net center (8) to a second net perimeter edge (9), the second net (7) having a second net inner surface (10) and a second net outer surface (11), the first net inner surface (5) facing the second net inner surface (10) (the first and second nets partially omitted to expose components of a deployment assembly); a truss (12) engaging the first net (2) at a first plurality of points (13) along the first net perimeter edge (4) and to the second net (7) at a second plurality of points (14) along the second net perimeter edge (9), the truss (12) tensioning each of the first net (2) and the second net (7) to maintain a flat first net outer surface (15)(as shown in the illustrative example of Figures 3 and 4) or a parabolic first net outer surface (16) extending from the first net center (3) to the first net perimeter edge (4)(as shown in the illustrative example of Figures 1 and 2) and a flat second net outer surface (17) or a parabolic second net outer surface (18) extending from the second net center (8) to the second net perimeter edge (9). Again referring primarily to Figures 1 through 4, the first net (2) and the second net (7) of the reflector assembly (1) can, but need not necessarily, be attached to each other by a plurality of tension ties (19) extending between corresponding net polyhedron vertices (20) (an illustrative portion of the plurality of tension ties shown). The plurality of tension ties (19) can aid in achieving the flat or parabolic first net outer surface (15)(16) or the flat or parabolic second net outer surface <semantics>(17)(18)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(17)(18)< / annotation>< / semantics>. As further shown in Figures 1 through 6, the reflector assembly (1) can further include a first reflector (21) disposed at the first net (2), and as to particular embodiments, a second reflector (22) disposed at the second net (7) (as shown by stippled area in the example of Figures 1 and 2). The first or second reflector (21)(22) can receive and reflect electromagnetic waves (23)(as shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 5 and 6). The first or second reflector (21)(22) can, as illustrative examples, include one or more of: a reflective membrane, a reflective mesh, a reflective phased array, a reflectarray, or the like. As to particular embodiments, the first or second reflector (21)(22) can, but need not necessarily, be a reflective membrane (24) integrated with the first net (2) or the second net (7). As to certain embodiments, the reflective membrane (24) can be integrated or one-piece with the first net (2) or the second net (7) at the first or second net inner or outer surfaces <semantics>(5)(10)(6)(11)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(5)(10)(6)(11)< / annotation>< / semantics>. The first reflector <semantics>(24)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(24)< / annotation>< / semantics> can have a first reflector surface (25) defining a reflector aperture (26)(as shown in the illustrative example of Figures 1 and 2) of between about 1 meter and about 5 meters (or therebetween in increments of 50 millimeters); however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments which define a lesser or greater reflector aperture (26). Now referring primarily to Figures 1 through 6, as to particular embodiments, the first reflector (21) can have a first reflector surface (25) which receives and reflects electromagnetic waves (23)(as shown in the examples of Figures 1 through 4) having a first frequency band (27). The second reflector (22) can have a second reflector surface (28) configured to receive and reflect electromagnetic waves (23) having a second frequency band (29). As to particular embodiments, the first and second frequency bands (27)(29) may be delimited by upper and lower frequencies that are the same, substantially the same, or overlap with use of the first and second frequency bands (27)(29) time separated to avoid blockage or sensitivity impairment. As to particular embodiments, the first frequency band (27) and the second frequency band (29) can be delimited by upper and lower frequencies that do not overlap and define a bad gap between the first frequency band (27) and the second frequency band (29), or may overlap to an extent that the first frequency band (27) and the second frequency band (29) can be used concurrently each maintaining sensitivity sufficient for the intended application. Now referring primarily to Figures 5 and 6, the reflector antennas (30) may be offset fed (31)(as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 5) or center fed (32) (as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 6). Offset fed (31) means a focal point (33) of the reflected electromagnetic waves (23) is offset from the first reflector (21). This allows the first reflector (21) to have a continuous first reflector surface (25); although an offset fed reflector antenna (30) does not preclude use of a discontinuous first reflector surface (25). Center fed (as shown in the example of Figure 6) means the focal point (33) of the reflected electromagnetic waves (23) occurs above the first reflector surface (25) and may, but need not necessarily, be substantially aligned with the first reflector center (34) with the first reflector surface (25) being substantially symmetric about the focal axis (36). Now referring primarily to Figures 5 through 7, the reflector assembly (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a spacecraft (37), a satellite (38), or other aerospace system. Embodiments can include a method for remote sensing, comprising receiving remote sensing data (39)(as shown in the example of Figures 5 and 6) where the remote sensing data (39) is captured with a reflector assembly (1) associated with a satellite (38) and communicated to a receiver (41) including a computing device (40), where the reflector assembly (1) further comprises a first net (2) extending from a first net center (3) to a first net perimeter edge (4), the first net (2) having a first net inner surface (5) and a first net outer surface (6); a second net (7) extending from a second net center (8) to a second net perimeter edge (9), the second net (7) having a second net inner surface (10) facing the first net inner surface (5); a first reflector (21) disposed at the first net (2); a truss (12) engaged to the first net (2) at a first plurality of points (13) along the first net perimeter edge (9) and to the second net (7) at a corresponding second plurality of points (14) along the second net perimeter edge (9), each of the first plurality of points (13) being aligned with one of the corresponding second plurality of points (14); and the truss (12) having a stowed condition (42)(as shown in the illustrative examples of 19 through 21) and a deployed condition (43), where the deployed condition (43) maintains a flat or parabolic first net outer surface (15)(16) extending from the first net center (3) to the first net perimeter edge (4) and a flat or parabolic second net outer surface (17)(18) extending from the second net center (8) to the second net perimeter edge (9). However, this illustrative example does not preclude implementations in which the reflector assembly (1) attaches to a terrestrial support structure for a ground based, ship-based, aircraft- based, or similar terrestrial system. The support structure may be a static structure like a tripod or an actively controlled support structure like a gimbal that is pointing the reflector assembly (1) to another source such as a satellite or terrestrial source of electromagnetic waves (23). Now referring generally to Figures 1 through 8A, 8B, 23 and 24, as one illustrative embodiment, the truss (12) can include a plurality of battens (44). The plurality of battens (44) can each have a batten length (45) disposed between a batten first end (46) and a batten second end (47). Each of the plurality of battens (44) extend between one of the first plurality of points (13) of the first net (2) coupled to or coupled proximate or connected to the batten first end (46) and a corresponding one of the second plurality of corresponding points (14) of the second net (7) coupled to or coupled proximate or connected to the batten second end (47). Particular embodiments of the truss (12) can, but need not necessarily, include at least a first longeron (48) connecting each of the plurality of battens (44) to an adjacent one of the plurality of battens (44) at or proximate to the batten first ends (46). Embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a second longeron (49) connecting each of the plurality of battens (44) to an adjacent one of said plurality of battens (44) at or proximate the batten second ends (47). Particular embodiments of the truss (12) can, but need not necessarily, include a first diagonal member (50) connecting the batten first end (46) of each of said plurality of battens (44) to a batten second end (47) of the adjacent one of the plurality of battens (44). Embodiments, can, but need not necessarily, include a second diagonal member (51) connecting said batten second end (47) of each of the plurality of battens (44) to a batten first end (46) of the adjacent one of the plurality of battens (44). Now referring primarily to Figures 8A and 8B, as to particular embodiments the truss deployment assembly (52) can include a plurality of axially extended ribs (60) each joined medially or at the center of a corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44). As to these embodiments, the first longeron (48) or the second longeron (49)(or both) can tension and maintain the configuration of the truss (12)(as shown in the example of Figure 8A). As to particular embodiments the truss deployment assembly (52) can include a plurality of axially extended ribs (60) each joined to the corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44) offset from the center of the batten (44) toward the batten first end (46). As to these embodiments, a plurality of cross members (128) can assist the first longeron (48) or the second longeron (49) to tension and maintain the configuration of the truss (12)(as shown in the example of Figure 8B). The plurality of cross members (128) can each couple a pair of non-adjacent batten second ends (47). Where the plurality of axially extended ribs (60) each join a corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44) offset from the center of the batten (44) toward the batten second end (46), the cross members can be the plurality of cross members (128) can each couple a pair of non-adjacent batten first ends (46). The first and second net <semantics>(2)(7)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(2)(7)< / annotation>< / semantics>, the first and second longerons <semantics>(48)(49)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(48)(49)< / annotation>< / semantics>, and the first and second diagonal members (50)(51), may be made from a variety of pliant, flexible or elastic rods, cordage, wires, or lines whether solid, tubular, or stranded produced from natural materials or synthetic materials or combinations thereof. Embodiments of the truss (12) can be reversibly disposed between a truss deployed condition (43) (as shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 1 through 8, 23 and 24) and truss stowed condition (42)(as shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 19 through 21 with nets, longerons, and diagonals omitted) by affixing or operation of a truss deployment assembly (52). Now referring primarily to Figures 9A and 10, an illustrative embodiment of the truss deployment assembly (52) can include a spool (53) rotatable about a spool longitudinal center axis (54). The spool longitudinal axis (54) can be aligned with the first net center (3) and the second net center (8)(as shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 1 and 2). Now referring primarily to Figures 9A, 9B, 10 through 12 and 20, a plurality of pivoters (55) can, but need not necessarily, be circumferentially disposed in spaced apart intervals around the spool (53) with each of the pivoters (55) rotatable about a pivoter axis (56)(as shown in the example of Figure 12) from a first pivoter position (57) generally perpendicular to a diameter (58) of the spool (53)(as shown in each of Figures 9-12 each of the plurality of pivoters (55) in the first pivoter position (57) can be generally aligned with the perpendicular bisector of the diameter (58) of the spool (53))(as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 10) and sweeping toward the diameter (58) of the spool (53) to a second pivoter position (59) oblique to the diameter (58) of the spool (as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 20). Now referring to Figures 9A, 9B and 10 through 19, particular embodiments of the truss deployment assembly (52) can include a plurality of ribs (60) each having a rib length (61) disposed between a rib first end (62) and a rib second end (63). One of the rib first ends (62) can be correspondingly coupled to one of the plurality of pivoters (55) and one of the rib second ends (63) can be correspondingly coupled to one the plurality of battens (44). However, as to particular embodiments, each rib first end (62) can be connected to the spool (53) omitting the plurality of pivoters (55). The spool (53) can be reversibly rotated about the spool longitudinal axis (54) to correspondingly reversibly wind the plurality of ribs (60) around the spool (53) to radially position (radially extend and retract) the rib second ends (63) between a wound retracted condition (64)(as shown in the example of Figure 20) and an unwound radially extended condition (65)(as shown in the examples of Figures 1-6, 8, 13-15). Embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a motor (66) coupled to the spool (53) operable to reversibly rotate the spool (53) to move the plurality of ribs (60) radially between the wound retracted condition (64) and the unwound radially extended condition (65). Now referring primarily to Figure 9A, the plurality of ribs (60) can be formed as a slit tube (67) of composite laminates or metallic materials, or a combination thereof. As illustrative examples, the plurality of ribs (60) can be constructed as a laminate composite comprised of a plurality of thin layers of composite fibers, such as: carbon, aramid, glass, quartz fibers, and combinations thereof, which can be woven or unwoven and pre-impregnated or impregnated with a resin matrix, such as: epoxy resin, phenol resin, amino plastic resin, melamine resin or the like, which can be bonded together by autoclave or out-of-autoclave curing processes which apply heat and pressure to the plurality of thin layers and resin matrix to produce the plurality of ribs (60) that can be reversibly wound around the spool (53). Composite laminates can be take the form of bi-stable laminates having a structure that can be stable both in the unstrained, unwound radially extended condition (65) and in the strained wound retracted condition (64) which allows for a reduced volume wound retracted condition (64) with less blooming effects than traditional laminates; however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments which utilize conventional laminates which may afford higher deployment forces to passively drive the plurality of ribs (60) toward the unwound radially extended condition (65). Additionally, embodiments of the plurality of ribs (60) can be structured as a collapsible and rollable truss boom comprised of two more elongate bi-stable composite members and associated diagonals. The truss boom can be stable both in the fully unwound radially extended condition (65) and wound retracted condition (64). Again, referring primarily to Figure 9A, embodiments of the slit tube (67) can have a slit tube diameter (68) of between about 2 centimeters ("cm") to about 3 cm; however, this does not preclude embodiments having a greater or lesser slit tube diameter (68). Each of the plurality of ribs (60) can have a total included angle (69) of a tubular cross section orthogonal to a slit tube longitudinal axis (70) of about 180 degrees to about 350 degrees. The slit tube diameter (68) and the included angle (69) of the tubular cross section can be combined in various permutation with the slit tube diameter (68) incrementally increasing in about 0.1 cm increments and the total included angle (69) incrementally adjusted in about 5 degree increments depending upon the slit tube material, the rib length (61) and the amount of force applied to the truss (12) to achieve the truss deployed condition (43). As illustrative examples, the slit tube (67) can be a composite of carbon and quartz fibers with a diameter of about 1.9 cm and a total included angle of about 240 degrees, or the slit tube (67) can be a composite of carbon and quartz fibers can have a 2.5 cm diameter with an included angle of about 350 degree each being wound around the spool (53) with an inside wound diameter (71)(as shown in the example of Figure 20) of about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 centimeters. These illustrative examples are not intended to preclude other slit tub diameters (68), total included angle (69), or inside wound diameter (71); rather these illustrative examples provide sufficient examples to allow the structure of the plurality of ribs (60) to be scaled depending upon the application. Now referring primarily to Figure 9B, as to particular embodiment the plurality of ribs (60) can, but need not necessarily, be formed in a closed cross section (129) which can be collapsed to a generally flat condition and wound around the spool (53). The closed cross section (129) can, but need not necessarily, be a lenticular structure (130) comprised of a pair of convex ribs (60A)(60B) interconnected or joined at the corresponding pairs of edges (131)(132). Now referring primarily to Figures 9 and 12, embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include an upper spool flange (72) and a lower spool flange (73) correspondingly joined at opposite spool ends <semantics>(74)(75)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(74)(75)< / annotation>< / semantics> of the spool <semantics>(53)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(53)< / annotation>< / semantics>, where the upper and lower spool flanges <semantics>(74)(75)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(74)(75)< / annotation>< / semantics> extend radially outward of the spool (53) to define upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges (76)(77). As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of pivoters (55) can be disposed between the upper spool flange (72) and the lower spool flange (73). As to particular embodiments, each of the upper spool flange (72) and the lower spool flange (73) can, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of rib intercept elements (78) disposed in spaced apart intervals around the upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges (76)(77). Each of the plurality of ribs (60) can have a lesser rib width (79) proximate the rib first end (62) coupled to the pivoter (55). The portion of the rib length (61) having the lesser rib width (79) can wind around the spool (53) between the upper and lower spool flanges (72)(73). The remaining portion of the rib length (61) having a greater rib width (80) can be intercepted by the plurality of rib intercept elements (78) to wind around the upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges <semantics>(76)(77)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(76)(77)< / annotation>< / semantics>. Now referring primarily to Figures 10 through 12, embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of rib guides (81) disposed in spaced apart intervals around the spool longitudinal center axis (54) radially outward of the plurality of pivoters (55). One of the plurality of rib guides (81) correspondingly engages a rib first face (82) of one of the plurality of ribs (60) to positionally guide the corresponding one of the plurality of ribs (60) during radial extension and retraction between the wound retracted condition (64) and the unwound radially extended condition (65). As shown in the Figures, a particular embodiment of the plurality of rib guides (81) can terminate in a roller (86) which rotatably engages the rib first face (82); however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments of the plurality of rib guides (81) which terminate in a rib guide face (87) which slidably engages the rib first face (82). As to particular embodiments, each of the plurality of rib guides (81) can comprise a pair of rib guides (83)(84)(as shown in the example of Figure 11), a first of the pair of rib guides (81)(83) engaging the rib first face (82) and a second of the pair of rib guides (81)(84) engaging a rib second face (85). The first and second of the pair of rib guides (83)(84) can be correspondingly engaged to the rib first face (82) and the rib second face (85) in direct opposite relation in which both the first and second of the pair of rib guides (83)(84) engage the rib first and second face (82)(85) at substantially the same or the same distance radially outward of the corresponding one of the plurality of pivoters (55), or in offset opposite relation where either the first or the second rib guide (83)(84) engages the corresponding one of the plurality of ribs (60) radially outward of the other. The first or the second of the pair of rib guides (83)(84), or both, can terminate in a roller (86). The first or second of the pair of rib guides (83)(84)(whether terminating in a rib guide face (87) or rib guide roller (86)) engaging the first and second rib face (82)(85) can vary structurally. For example, the first of the pair of rib guides (83) engaging the first rib face (82) having a concave or inwardly curving surface may have a rib guide face (87) or perimetrical roller face (88) of lesser height than the second of the pair of rib guides (84) engaging the second rib face (85) having a convex or outwardly curving surface which may have a greater height. As a first illustrative example, referring primarily to Figure 11, the first of the pair of rib guides (81)(83) can terminate in a first roller (86)(91) which medially rotatingly engages a rib first face (82) between opposite rib edges (89)(90) and a second of the pair of rib guides (84) can terminate in a second roller (92) which medially rotatingly engages a rib second face (85) between opposite rib edges (89)(90) at substantially the same or the same distance radially outward of the corresponding one of the plurality of pivoters (55). As a second illustrative example, referring primarily to Figure 10, the first of the pair of rib guides (81)(83) can terminate in a first roller (91) which laterally rotatingly engages a rib first face (82) proximate one of the rib edges (89)(90) and a second of the pair of rib guides (81)(84) can terminate in a second roller (92) which laterally rotatingly engages a rib second face (85) proximate the same rib edge (89) or (90) at substantially the same or the same distance radially outward of the corresponding one of the plurality of pivoters (55). Now primarily referring to Figures 11 and 12, embodiments can, but need not necessarily include, an upper hub plate (93) disposed opposite a lower hub plate (94) each correspondingly disposed axially outward of the upper spool flange (72) and a lower spool flange (73), respectively, between which the spool (53) rotatably mounts and between which the plurality rib guides (55) can be affixed radially outward of the spool (53)(collectively referred to as the "hub assembly" (95)). The motor (66) can be affixed to either the upper or lower hub plate (93) or (94) to rotate the spool (53) relative to the upper and lower hub plates (93)(94) to move the plurality of ribs (60) radially between the wound retracted condition (64) and the unwound radially extended condition (65) where each of the plurality of pivoters (55) pivot toward the first pivoter position (57) aligned generally perpendicular to a diameter (58) of the spool (53) at which each of the plurality of ribs (60) align generally perpendicular to the diameter (58) of the spool (53) with the truss (12) in the deployed condition (43). Now referring primarily to Figures 13 through 18, particular embodiments, can but need not necessarily, include a batten-rib interface assembly (96) which couples a rib second end (63) to a corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44). The batten-rib interface assembly (96) includes one or more of: a resilient springing element (97); an interface body (98) configured to movingly engage the resilient springing element (97); and an interface flange (99) outwardly extending from the interface body (98) to couple the rib second end (63). As shown in Figures 13 through 18, as to particular embodiments, each of the plurality of battens (44) can, but need not necessarily, comprise an elongate open channel (100) having a pair of channel sides (101)(102) disposed in opposed relation a distance apart joined by a channel base (103); however, this description is not intended to preclude the use of a plurality of battens (44) comprising elongate solid or tubular elements. Now referring to primarily to Figure 16 through 18, the resilient springing element (97) deflects in response to loading from extension of a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs (60) and corresponding tensioning of the truss (12). While the embodiment shown in Figure 18 includes a pair of resiliently flexible members (104)(105) having a pair of member first ends each attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44) to dispose a pair of member second ends (106)(107) in opposed relation a distance apart inside the elongate open channel (100), with each of the pair of member second ends (106)(107) resiliently deflecting in response to movement of the interface body (98); this illustrative example does not preclude other embodiments of the resilient springing element (97), including elastic springing media, such as springs, elastomers, or pneumatic cylinders. The interface body (98) can be joined to the corresponding one of the plurality of battens (44) to movingly engage the resilient springing element (97). Particular embodiments, have delimited telescopic engagement with the batten (44), or delimited movement within a batten aperture element (108) or pass through disposed in the batten (44). As shown in Figure 18, the interface body (98) can be slidably disposed in the batten aperture element (108) of the batten <semantics>(44)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(44)< / annotation>< / semantics> to engage the pair member second ends <semantics>(106)(107)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(106)(107)< / annotation>< / semantics> of the resilient springing element <semantics>(97)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(97)< / annotation>< / semantics>. The batten aperture element (108) and interface body (98) can be configured to mitigate radial movement of the interface body (98) in relation to the batten (44) (as shown in the example the interface body has an elongate form slidably engaged in an elongate aperture element). The axial movement of the interface body (98) can be delimited by the length of an elongate slot (109) disposed in the interface body (98) which slidably engages a pin (110) having a fixed position in relation to the batten (44). The interface flange (99) extends from the interface body (98) to receive the rib second end (63). The interface flange (99) can, but need not necessarily, have a curved surface (111) to receive the correspondingly curved surface of the rib first or second face (82)(85). The rib second ends (63) of the plurality of radial ribs (60) can be axially joined to the interface flange (99) at two or more points to mitigate in-plane rotation at this joint. As shown in the illustrative embodiment, two holes can be disposed axially in the interface flange (99) and correspondingly two holes can be disposed proximate the rib second end (63) to receive mechanical fasteners. The batten-rib interface assembly (96) allows the loading force of the plurality of ribs (60) to be transferred to the resilient springing element (97) when extending the plurality of radial ribs (60) to the unwound radially extended condition (65) to achieve the deployed condition (43) of the truss (12). The transfer of the loading forces to the resilient springing element (97) can make the plurality of ribs (60) less sensitive to thermal distortions and a wider range of manufacturing tolerances. The batten first and second ends (46)(47) can further include a plurality of net guide dowel pins, string adjustment screws, or clamps configured to attach and adjust first and second longerons (46)(47) and first and second diagonal members (50)(51). Now referring to Figures 19 to 21, from the deployed condition (43), the reflector assembly (1) can be returned to the stowed condition (42) by rotating the spool (53), to wind the plurality of ribs (60) around the spool or the upper and lower spool flanges (72)(73), depending on the embodiment, causing the truss (12) inclusive of the plurality of battens (44), first or second longerons (48)(49), first or second diagonal members (50)(51), first or second nets (2)(7), and first or second reflectors (21)(22) to radially collapse. The first or second nets (2)(7) and the first or second reflectors (21)(22) can be pleated such as to fold as the plurality of ribs (60) assume the wound retracted condition (64). Now referring primarily to Figures 1 and 2 and 22, as to particular embodiments, each of the rib second ends (63) can be correspondingly medially coupled (or laterally coupled proximate a batten first or second end) to one of the plurality of battens (44) along the batten length (45). As shown in the illustrative examples of Figures 1 and 2, the rib second ends (63) can, but need not necessarily, be correspondingly medially coupled to the plurality of battens (44) to dispose the hub assembly (95) between the first and second nets (2)(7). As shown in the illustrative example of Figure 22, the plurality of rib second ends (63) can, but need not necessarily, be laterally coupled proximate a batten first or second end (46)(47) disposes the hub assembly (95) to one side of the reflector assembly (1)(outward of the first net (2) or the second net (7) outer surface <semantics>(6)(11)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(6)(11)< / annotation>< / semantics>). While the embodiment shown includes a first net <semantics>(2)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(2)< / annotation>< / semantics> and a second net <semantics>(7)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">(7)< / annotation>< / semantics> correspondingly having a parabolic first net outer surface (16) and a parabolic second net outer surface (18); this is not intended to preclude embodiments having a flat first net outer surface (16) or a flat second net outer surface (17). As to particular embodiments, the hub assembly (95) can be disposed to one side of a flat first net outer surface (16) and a flat second net outer surface (17). As to particular embodiments the flat first net outer surface (16) and the flat second net outer surface (17) can be disposed a distance apart of about one-half inch to about five inches apart. For example, a particular embodiment disposes the flat first net outer surface (16) and the flat second net outer surface (17) a distance apart of about one inch. Now referring primarily to Figure 23, as to particular embodiments, the truss (12) can, but need not necessarily, be disposed in the deployed condition (43) by a first resilient rod assembly (112) extending over the first net (2) with opposite rod ends (113)(114) correspondingly coupled to a pair of the plurality of batten first ends (46). Embodiments can, but need not necessarily, further include a second resilient rod assembly (115) extending over the second net (7) with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of the batten second ends (47). The first or second resilient rod assembly (112)(115) can include one or more resilient rods (116) which can maintain the truss (12) in a deployed condition (43) generating a tension in the first net (2) or the second net (7) to maintain a substantially flat or parabolic net outer surface (15)(17) correspondingly extending from the first net center (3) to the first net perimeter edge (4) or the second net center (8) to the second net perimeter edge (9). Now referring primarily to Figure 24, as to particular embodiments, the truss (12) can be disposed in the deployed condition (43) by disposing a plurality of perimeter longerons (117) between adjacent ones of the plurality of battens (44). The perimeter longerons (117) can be an erectable or unfolding structure (118) having sufficient structural depth (119) to maintain in-plane axial and shear stiffness as well as flexural and torsional stiffness in the truss (12) deployed condition (43). The illustrative example of the plurality of perimeter longerons (117) includes a two panels (120)(121) or three panels (120)(121)(133) removably connected between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens (44) by at least each of four corners (122) to achieve the deployed condition (43) of the truss (12) generating a tension in the first net (2) and the second net (7) to maintain a substantially flat or parabolic net outer surface (15)(17) correspondingly extending from the first net center (3) to the first net perimeter edge (4) or the second net center (8) to the second net perimeter edge (9). The two panels (120)(121) can be medially hinged to unfold and removably connect between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens (44). The three panel (120)(121)(133) embodiment can be hinged to allow one of the three panels (120)(121)(133) to be removably connected between adjacent pairs of the plurality of battens (44) and the remaining two panels (12) rotated about a corresponding pair of hinges to engage a distance (119) outwardly of the truss (12). Now referring primarily to Figure 25, embodiments of the plurality of ribs (60) can be configured to provide an antenna (123). The plurality of ribs (60) in antenna (123) embodiments include electrically conductive materials (127) or electrically conductive paths disposed along the rib length (61) such as metallic ribs, composite laminates having an electrically conductive layer, or an electrically conductive path, element, mesh, or wire, or combinations thereof. The antenna (123) can be multi-axis dipole antenna (124) including a plurality of ribs (60) having two or more pairs of extensible retractable opposing ribs (125)(126)(two pairs of opposing ribs (125)(126) shown in the illustrative example); however, this is not intended to preclude antennas (123) configured as single axis dipole antenna (127) including only two extensible retractable opposing ribs (125). The positional accuracy and stability of the dipoles may be enhanced with some combination of a plurality of battens (60), longerons (48), diagonal members (50), and radial strings or nets. As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a deployable reflector system and methods for making and using such deployable reflector system including the best mode. As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures. It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that the elements of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a "reflector" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "reflecting" -- whether explicitly discussed or not -- and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "reflecting", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a "reflector" and even a "means for reflecting." Such alternative terms for each element are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition. All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent "substantially" means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "substantially," it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment. Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms "a" or "an", "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the deployable reflectors herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed. The claims form part of this specification and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, said first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface; a second net extending from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, said second net having a second net inner surface facing said first net inner surface; a first reflector disposed at said first net outer surface; a truss engaged to said first net at a first plurality of points along said first net perimeter edge, said truss engaged to said second net at a second plurality points along said second net perimeter edge, each of said first plurality of points being aligned with one of said second plurality of points; and a truss deployment assembly including: a spool disposed centrally in relation to said first or second net perimeter edge; a plurality of ribs each having a rib length disposed between a corresponding plurality of rib first ends and rib second ends, said plurality of rib first ends coupled to said spool, said plurality of rib second ends correspondingly coupled to said truss, said plurality of ribs reversibly wound around said spool to radially position each of said plurality of rib second ends to move said truss between a truss stowed condition and a truss deployed condition, said truss in said truss deployed condition tensioning said first net or said second net to maintain a flat or parabolic first or second net outer surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tension ties correspondingly extending between a plurality of net polyhedron vertices of said first net and said second net.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said truss includes a plurality of battens each having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end, each of said plurality of battens extending between one of said first plurality of points of said first net and a corresponding aligned one of said second plurality of points of said second net.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein one of said plurality of rib second ends correspondingly coupled to one of said plurality of battens.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said truss further includes a first longeron connecting each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of battens proximate said batten first ends, and wherein said truss further includes a second longeron connecting each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of battens proximate said batten second ends.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said truss further includes a first diagonal member connecting one of said plurality of batten first ends of each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of batten second ends.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said truss further includes a second diagonal member connecting said batten second end of each of said plurality of battens to a batten first end of said adjacent one of said plurality of battens.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one of said plurality of rib second ends correspondingly medially couples to one of said plurality of battens along said batten length to dispose said truss deployment assembly between said first net and said second net.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one of said plurality of rib second ends correspondingly laterally coupled to one of said plurality of battens proximate said batten first end or proximate said batten second end to dispose said truss deployment assembly outward of said first or second net.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a batten-rib interface assembly disposed between at least one of said plurality of battens and a corresponding at least one of said plurality of rib second ends, said batten-rib interface assembly including: a resilient springing element coupled to said at least one of said plurality of battens; an interface body movingly engaged to said resilient springing element; and an interface flange outwardly extending from said interface body coupled to a corresponding one of said plurality of rib second ends, said resilient springing element deflects in response to loading from extension of a corresponding one of said plurality of ribs and corresponding tensioning of said truss.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said resilient springing element comprises a pair of resiliently flexible members having a pair of member first ends each coupled to one of said plurality of battens to dispose a pair of member second ends in opposed relation a distance apart, said pair of member second ends resiliently deflecting in response to movement of said interface body.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said truss deployment assembly includes: a plurality of pivoters disposed radially outward of said spool in spaced apart intervals around said spool longitudinal center axis, each of said pivoters rotatable about a pivoter axis from a pivoter first position generally perpendicular to a diameter of said spool toward a pivoter second position oblique to said diameter of said spool, wherein one of said plurality of rib first ends correspondingly coupled to one of said plurality of pivoters.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an upper spool flange and a lower spool flange correspondingly joined at opposite ends of said spool, said upper and lower spool flanges extending radially outward of said spool to define corresponding upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges, said plurality of pivoters disposed between said upper spool flange and said lower spool flange.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of rib intercept elements disposed in spaced apart intervals around said upper or lower spool flange perimeter edges, each of said plurality of ribs having a lesser rib width proximate said rib first end, said lesser rib width windable around said spool between said upper and lower spool flanges, each of said plurality of ribs having a greater rib width distal said lesser rib width, said greater rib width intercepted by said rib intercept elements to wind around said upper and lower spool flange perimeter edges.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of rib guides disposed radially outward of said plurality of pivoters in spaced apart intervals around said spool longitudinal axis, one of said plurality of rib guides correspondingly engaging one of said plurality of ribs.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of said plurality of rib guides comprise a pair of rib guides, a first of said pair of rib guides engaging a rib first face and a second of said pair of rib guides engaging a rib second face.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of rib guides include a roller which engages said rib first face or said rib second face.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second reflector disposed at said second net.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first reflector having a first reflector surface configured to receive a first frequency band, said second reflector having a second reflector surface configured to receive a second frequency band, said first frequency band delimited by upper and lower frequencies different than said second frequency band.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said first reflector or said second reflector is selected from the group consisting of: a reflecting membrane, a reflective mesh, a phased array, a reflectarray, and combinations thereof.

21. An apparatus, comprising: a first net extending from a first net center to a first net perimeter edge, said first net having a first net inner surface and a first net outer surface; a second net extending from a second net center to a second net perimeter edge, said second net having a second net inner surface facing said first net inner surface; a truss including a plurality of battens each having a batten length disposed between a batten first end and a batten second end, each of said plurality of battens extending between one of a first plurality of points of said first net and a corresponding aligned one of a second plurality of points of said second net; and a truss deployment assembly operable to position said truss between a truss stowed condition and a truss deployed condition, said truss deployment assembly removably connected between at least two of said plurality of battens of said truss to position said truss in said truss deployed condition tensioning said first net or said second net to maintain a flat or parabolic first or second net outer surface, said truss deployment assembly disconnected from between at least two of said plurality of battens of said truss to position said truss in said truss stowed condition.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of tension ties extending between corresponding net polyhedron vertices of said first net and said second net.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said truss further includes a first longeron connecting each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of battens proximate said batten first ends.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said truss further includes a second longeron connecting each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of battens proximate said batten second ends.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said truss further includes a first diagonal member connecting one of said plurality of batten first ends of each of said plurality of battens to an adjacent one of said plurality of batten second ends.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said truss further includes a second diagonal member connecting said batten second end of each of said plurality of battens to a batten first end of said adjacent one of said plurality of battens.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a first reflector disposed at said first net outer surface or a second reflector disposed at said second net.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a first reflector disposed at said first net outer surface and a second reflector disposed at said second net, wherein said first reflector having a first reflector surface configured to receive a first frequency band, said second reflector having a second reflector surface configured to receive a second frequency band, said first frequency band delimited by upper and lower frequencies different than said second frequency band.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said first reflector or said second reflector is selected from the group consisting of: a reflecting membrane, a reflective mesh, a phased array, a reflectarray, and combinations thereof.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising at least one perimeter longeron removably connectable between adjacent pairs of said plurality of battens to dispose said truss in said deployed condition.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said at least one perimeter longeron includes removably connected to adjacent pairs of said plurality of battens comprises at least one panel having a depth between a first side opposite a second side.

32. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a first assembly of one or more elongate rods extendable over said first net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of batten first ends; and a second assembly of one more elongate rods extendable over said second net with opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to a pair of batten second ends, said first and second assembly of one or more rods having opposite rod ends correspondingly coupled to said pair of batten first and second ends disposes said truss in said deployed condition.