Foldable reflector pallet and method for deploying the foldable reflector pallet

Abstract

This invention provides an improved system and method for deploying multiple reflector apertures as large as possible for small spacecraft. [Solution] A foldable reflector pallet 100 for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals, a method for deploying the foldable reflector pallet, and a method for storing the foldable reflector pallet are provided. The foldable reflector pallet comprises a first reflector and a second reflector having reflective surfaces. These reflectors have reflective surfaces that reflect RF signals in the deployed configuration. The first and second reflectors are attached by permanent connectors. Temporary connectors are attached to the storage surface to detachably connect to the first and / or second reflectors in the storage configuration. The first and second reflectors are configured to move selectively between a deployed configuration that is not folded around the permanent connector and a storage configuration that is folded around the permanent connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an antenna reflector, and more particularly to a folding reflector palette for an antenna.

Background Art

[0002] In the development and use of satellites, it is extremely important to minimize and efficiently utilize the volume in the satellite or launch rocket. Larger reflectors are more desirable for higher directivity and thus for large communication capacity antennas, but such large reflectors may occupy a correspondingly larger volume in satellites and launch rockets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When multiple reflector apertures are required, accommodating such multiple reflector apertures in a small volume can complicate the storage and deployment methods and require multiple complex deployable arms, which is disadvantageous. Assuming that it is generally desirable in the art to maximize the diameter of the reflector, the use of such complex deployment arms is disadvantageous because it wastes the available space within the limited volume of the launch vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method for deploying a plurality of reflector apertures that are as large as possible for a smaller spacecraft, which eliminates at least some of the drawbacks of existing systems and methods.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals is provided. This foldable reflector pallet has a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed. The foldable reflector pallet comprises a first reflector and a second reflector, each having a reflective surface, for reflecting RF signals in a deployed configuration, the first reflector and the second reflector being connected to each other by a permanent connector, and at least one temporary connector attached to the storage surface for detachably connecting to the first reflector and / or the second reflector in a stored configuration. The first reflector and the second reflector are configured to move selectively between a deployed configuration that is not folded around the permanent connector and a stored configuration that is folded around the permanent connector.

[0006] The foldable reflector pallet may further include a boom or gimbal for moving the first and second reflectors away from the storage surface in the deployed configuration.

[0007] The boom or gimbal may have multiple segments.

[0008] At least one temporary connector may consist of three temporary connectors.

[0009] The storage surface may be a spacecraft or part of a spacecraft.

[0010] The boom or gimbal for moving the first and second reflectors away from the storage surface may be the only boom or gimbal provided on the foldable reflector pallet.

[0011] Each reflector may be positioned on the opposite side of its respective backing.

[0012] Furthermore, a method is provided for deploying a foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals. This foldable reflector pallet has a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed. The method includes the steps of: preparing a foldable reflector pallet in a storage configuration adjacent to a storage surface; activating the foldable reflector pallet from the storage configuration relative to the storage surface; and unfolding the foldable reflector pallet.

[0013] The step of operating the foldable reflector pallet relative to the storage surface may include the step of operating the foldable reflector pallet away from the storage surface via a boom or gimbal.

[0014] The boom or gimbal may have multiple segments.

[0015] The boom or gimbal may be the only boom or gimbal mounted on the foldable reflector pallet.

[0016] A method is provided for storing a foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals. The foldable reflector pallet has a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed. The method includes the steps of preparing the foldable reflector pallet in an deployed configuration relative to a storage surface, folding the foldable reflector pallet, and operating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface.

[0017] The step of operating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface may include the step of operating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface via a boom or gimbal.

[0018] The boom or gimbal may have multiple segments.

[0019] The boom or gimbal may be the only boom or gimbal mounted on the foldable reflector pallet.

[0020] By considering the following description of some exemplary embodiments, other aspects and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The drawings attached hereto are for the purpose of illustrating various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatuses herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a folding mirror palette in a folded configuration or a storage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] It is a perspective view of the folding mirror palette of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration or a deployed configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] It is a bottom view of the folding mirror palette of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration or a deployed configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] It is a side perspective view of a folding mirror palette in an extended configuration or a deployed configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] It is a bottom view of a folding mirror palette in an extended configuration or a deployed configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of a method for deploying the folding palette mirror of FIG. 1 with respect to a storage surface according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of a method for storing the folding mirror palette of FIG. 1 with respect to a storage surface according to one embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The following describes various apparatuses or processes in order to illustrate examples of each claimed embodiment. None of the embodiments described below are limiting to the claimed embodiments, and any claimed embodiment may include processes or apparatuses other than those described below. The claimed embodiments are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all the features of any one apparatus or process described below, nor are they limited to features common to any or all of the apparatuses described below.

[0024] Furthermore, process steps, method steps, or algorithms may be described in order (within this disclosure and / or claims), but such processes, methods, and algorithms may be configured to function in different orders. In other words, the order or sequence of steps described does not necessarily imply that those steps must be performed in that order. The steps of the processes described herein may be performed in any practical order. Moreover, several steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0025] It will be readily apparent that, when a single device or article is described herein, two or more devices / articles (whether they work together or not) may be used instead of a single device / article. Similarly, when two or more devices or articles (whether they work together or not) are described herein, a single device / article may be used instead of two or more devices or articles.

[0026] The following concerns antenna reflectors in general, and more specifically, foldable reflector pallets for antennas.

[0027] In particular, this disclosure provides a collapsible reflector pallet. Due to the compactness of the collapsible reflector pallet, it can be stored in a smaller fairing during or after launch, thereby minimizing the volume without imposing any transmission difficulties or inefficiencies on the reflectors mounted or arranged on the collapsible pallet. The collapsible pallet comprises at least two reflectors, which fold together around a connector so that they can be stored in a platform or spacecraft to which they are mounted or otherwise arranged.

[0028] Advantageously, the disclosure can provide a more efficient approach in terms of mass and cost, for example, by avoiding duplication of equipment that would normally be required to deploy multiple reflectors. Furthermore, advantageously, the disclosure can reduce the number of retaining and releasing mechanisms (HRMs) by reducing the moment at the point of application. Furthermore, advantageously, the disclosure can improve radio frequency performance by eliminating the inner shell notch for the outer reflector HRM. Furthermore, advantageously, the disclosure can result in a more rigid configuration during launch. Furthermore, advantageously, the disclosure can avoid multiple multi-hinge booms or multiple deployment mechanisms that would otherwise be used to deploy multiple reflectors.

[0029] This disclosure may be applicable to a variety of different platforms and launch vehicles. Note that the system and deployment method of this disclosure may be used to deploy the reflector described in Patent Document 1.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a foldable reflector pallet 100 in a folded or stored configuration according to one embodiment is shown.

[0031] In Figure 1, the foldable reflector pallet 100 is shown with the first reflector shell 102 facing outward (i.e., its RF reflecting surface facing outward). In this foldable reflector pallet 100, the first reflector shell 102 may also face inward. It will be understood that the foldable reflector pallet 100 can be mounted on a spacecraft in any configuration or otherwise arranged.

[0032] The foldable reflector pallet 100 comprises a first reflector shell 102 and a second reflector shell 106 (collectively referred to as reflector shells 102 and 106). In Figure 1, the second reflector shell 106 is oriented toward the spacecraft platform 116, and the first reflector shell 102 is oriented toward away from the spacecraft platform 116. The reflector shells 102 and 106 may be made from or contain carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or aluminum.

[0033] Each of the reflector shells 102 and 106 may be a solid-shell reflector. Solid-shell reflectors have numerous advantages over mesh reflectors, such as lower cost, more efficient reflection in specific frequency bands (e.g., Ka bands), a non-parabolic shape, and relatively little or no unwanted passive intermodulation (PIM). Due to the characteristic that a typical solid-shell reflector consists of individual pieces, there is generally no way to effectively house such a solid-shell reflector to minimize launch storage volume without involving folding or otherwise disassembling the individual reflectors. Advantageously, the reflector shells 102 and 106 of this disclosure can be housed to minimize launch storage volume, as will be further described later in this specification. Advantageously, the foldable reflector pallet 100 can enable or achieve a more compact housing configuration, allowing for the use of larger antenna shapes on small satellite platforms.

[0034] The first backing 104 is positioned adjacent to the first reflector shell 102, and together they constitute the first reflector. The second backing 108 is positioned adjacent to the second reflector shell 106, and together they constitute the second reflector. The backings 104 and 108 form a support structure for the reflector shells 102 and 106, providing rigidity and strength to the reflector assembly and are shaped to provide mechanical connections to the connectors 110a, 110b, and 110c, as will be discussed further later in this specification. The first backing 104 and the second backing 108 are connected by a connecting portion 114, which allows the first backing 104 to be folded relative to the second backing 108 and vice versa (i.e., the first reflector shell 102 to be folded relative to the second reflector shell 106 and vice versa, resulting in the folding pallet 100 being folded). The connecting portion 114 may also be called an inter-reflector connecting portion 114 or an inter-reflector connector 114.

[0035] The backings 104 and 108 may be formed from thick panels and thin rings bonded to the respective reflector shells 102 and 106. The backings 104 and 108 may also be formed from a grid of thin panels.

[0036] The foldable pallet 100 is mounted on or otherwise arranged on the spacecraft platform 116. The spacecraft platform 116 may be a satellite. The spacecraft platform 116 may be a spacecraft, a space station, or a vehicle (such as a space shuttle or rover).

[0037] The collapsible pallet 100 is attached to the spacecraft via connectors 110a, 110b, and 110c (collectively referred to as connector 110, and individually referred to as connector 110) or otherwise disposed. A different number of connectors 110 (e.g., four) may be used. The backings 104, 108 and / or reflector shells 102, 106 are relatively thick, and the connectors 110 may be disposed directly on them. These connectors may be referred to as, or considered to be, “Hold-and-Release Mechanisms” (HRM), “Hold-Down-and-Release Mechanisms” (HDRM), or “Restraint Mechanisms.” The connectors 110 are configured to maintain a secure and rigid connection between the spacecraft platform 116 and the reflector shells 102, 106 and backings 104, 108 during launch. When the connectors 110 are activated, they release the first and second reflectors into orbit, deploying them.

[0038] The folding reflector pallet 100 is illustrated as comprising two reflector shells 102, 106, but it will be understood that reflectors 100 having three or more reflector shells are also within the scope of this disclosure. The reflector 100 may have any number of such shells suitable for a high-capacity antenna or a multi-aperture antenna.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a foldable reflector pallet 100 in a deployed or unfolded configuration according to one embodiment are shown. In Figures 2A and 2B, the same numbers indicate the same reference numerals as in Figure 1.

[0040] Figures 2A and 2B make it clearer that the first reflector shell 102 and the second reflector shell 106 are provided with reflective surfaces 103 and 107, respectively, located on the opposite sides of the first backing 104 and the second backing 108.

[0041] In the extended and deployed configuration, the reflector shells 102, 106 are positioned to reflect incident and outgoing signals. The specific signals or signal bands that are reflected or can be reflected may depend on the specific size, shape, curvature (e.g., convex or concave curvature, local curvature and / or overall curvature), angle, and / or material of each reflector shell 102, 106.

[0042] The reflector shells 102 and 106 may be equivalent.

[0043] The reflector shells 102 and 106 may differ in one or more respects (for example, being made from different materials, having different shaping, or having different curvatures (locally or overall)). In other words, the reflector shells 102 and 106 may have the same physical properties, or they may differ in one or more physical properties.

[0044] The first backing 104 and the second backing 108 are joined at the connecting portion 114 to facilitate the folding and storage of the foldable reflector pallet 100 in the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0045] The connecting portion 114 may be a hinge. This hinge may be a passive hinge (e.g., a spring and a damper) equipped with a latch for locking the extended configuration. The hinge may be an active hinge (e.g., a rotary actuator such as a stepper motor coupled to a gearbox) for allowing adjustment of the orientation of the deployed reflector pallet 100. Furthermore, the connecting portion 114 may be equipped with telemetry and temperature sensors for position feedback. Furthermore, the connecting portion 114 may be equipped with a heater mounted on top to ensure a minimum operating temperature for deployment and operation. The connecting portion 114 is configured to reliably and accurately deploy or unfold the pallet 100 from a folded configuration to a mission position (i.e., a deployed configuration and an extended configuration).

[0046] Advantageously, the foldable reflector pallet 100, and in particular the connecting section 114, when folded, have backings 104 and 108 connected together at the center of the pallet 100, resulting in a more rigid configuration for the reflector, thus shortening the distance to the center of gravity and further increasing the rigidity of the assembly, i.e., the foldable reflector pallet 100.

[0047] Advantageously, the connecting portion 114 can be used to compensate for misalignment between the two reflectors, particularly in embodiments where the connecting portion 114 is a hinge (and may be further used for trimming or reconfiguration on the trajectory).

[0048] In one preferred embodiment, the foldable reflector pallet 100 includes backings 104 and 108, as shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B. However, in other embodiments, the foldable reflector pallet 100 may not include backings 104 and / or backings 108.

[0049] In Figure 1, the folding pallet 100 is shown in a folding configuration such that the reflective surface 103 faces away from the spacecraft platform 116, the reflective surface 107 faces toward the spacecraft platform, and the reflector 106 is positioned between the spacecraft platform 116 and the reflector 102. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the reflective surfaces 103 and 107 may face toward or away from the spacecraft platform 116 (both reflective surfaces 103 and 107 may face toward or away from the spacecraft platform 116, or one reflective surface may face toward the spacecraft platform and the other may face away), or the reflectors 102 and 106 may be positioned in any order relative to the spacecraft platform 116.

[0050] More specifically, this specification explicitly includes the fact that the reflectors 102, 106 may or may not have backings 104, 108, the reflective surfaces 103, 107 may or may be oriented toward or away from the spacecraft platform 116 (in the same direction or in opposite directions), and that the reflector 106 may be positioned between the spacecraft platform 116 and the reflector 102, or vice versa. This specification explicitly includes all permutations and combinations of the aforementioned conditions.

[0051] Next, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, a side perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of the foldable reflector pallet 100 in a deployed and unfolded configuration according to one embodiment. In Figures 3A and 3B, the same numbers indicate the same reference numerals as in Figure 1.

[0052] In Figures 3A and 3B, the boom 112 connects the foldable reflector pallet 100 to the spacecraft 116, or to any other surface or object to which the foldable reflector pallet 100 is attached or positioned. The boom 112 is capable of orienting and deploying the foldable reflector pallet 100, that is, it can rotate the foldable reflector pallet 100 along one or more degrees of freedom. The boom 112 deploys the foldable reflector pallet to its deployed configuration, i.e., mission position.

[0053] The boom 112 comprises multiple segments 113a, 113b (collectively referred to as boom segments 113, and individually referred to as boom segments 113). Although only two boom segments 113a, 113b are illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, it will be understood that the boom 112 may comprise any number of boom segments 113 suitable for deploying the foldable reflector pallet 100, that is, suitable for operating the foldable reflector pallet 100 from the folded or stored configuration in Figure 1 to the extended or deployed configuration in Figures 2A and 2B, as further shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0054] In one embodiment, the boom 112 comprises a single boom segment 113.

[0055] The boom segments 113 may be connected by hinges, joints, or other fasteners.

[0056] Advantageously, this foldable reflector pallet 100 allows for the use of only a single boom 112 (in contrast to using two booms, for example, to deploy two reflectors).

[0057] The reflector pallet 100 may be particularly suitable for small spacecraft or rideshare missions launched using small rockets. The reflector pallet 100 may be applicable to geostationary equatorial (GEO) antennas and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) antennas. In GEO, satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed as the Earth's rotation and appear to be fixed or stationary in the air. In NGSO, satellites orbit the Earth at a lower altitude than GEO and complete an orbit in a shorter period of time, so they do not appear to be fixed or stationary in the air. Unlike geostationary satellites, which are located at a specific point in the air relative to the Earth's surface, NGSO satellites are constantly moving in the sky. This can provide several advantages over geostationary satellites, such as enabling further improvements in mobile satellite service coverage, improved global connectivity, and more efficient use of the limited radio frequency spectrum. The fact that the reflector pallet 100 is suitable for both GEO and NGSO antennas is a significant advantage. The reflecting mirror pallet 100 may also be used on other orbits, including but not limited to polar orbits, sun-synchronous orbits, mid-Earth orbits, and / or highly elliptical orbits. Furthermore, the reflecting mirror pallet 100 may also be used for extraplanetary or deep space applications.

[0058] Advantageously, the folding mirror pallets according to this disclosure generally use fewer movable parts or components to deploy the multiple mirrors. For example, as discussed in relation to Figures 3A-3B, a folding mirror pallet 100 having shells 102, 106 and backings 104, 108 (i.e., the first and second mirrors) may be provided with one boom 112 instead of two booms.

[0059] Next, referring to Figure 4, a flowchart of a method 400 for deploying and extending a foldable pallet reflector on a storage surface according to one embodiment is shown. This foldable pallet reflector may be the foldable pallet reflector 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3C. The storage surface may be the spacecraft 116 shown in Figures 1 to 3C.

[0060] Method 400 includes providing a foldable reflector pallet (for example, as shown in Figure 1) in a storage configuration adjacent to the storage surface in 402. This reflector pallet comprises a first reflector and a second reflector. Each of the first and second reflectors has a backing structure. The backing structures of the first and second reflectors are hinged together but otherwise are physically separate sections. This hinged connection may consist of one or more hinges.

[0061] Method 400 further includes, in 404, moving the foldable reflector pallet from the storage configuration relative to the storage surface. This movement may be achieved by active deployment (e.g., via an actuator) or passive deployment.

[0062] The foldable reflector pallet may be actuated via a boom connected to the foldable reflector pallet and storage surface (for example, via boom 112 as shown in Figure 3A or Figure 3B). This boom may be a multi-hinge boom. In other embodiments, the foldable reflector pallet may be actuated by another type of actuator or manipulator. The actuator may be a standard single-axis gimbal or a two-axis gimbal.

[0063] Method 400 further includes, in 406, extending a foldable reflector pallet using a hinged connection between the backing structures of the first reflector and the second reflector (for example, as shown in Figure 2A or Figure 2B).

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that this foldable reflector pallet can be partially or fully extended before, during, or after it is operated relative to the storage surface.

[0065] Next, referring to Figure 5, a flowchart of a method 500 for storing and folding a foldable reflector pallet in relation to a storage surface is shown according to one embodiment. This foldable pallet reflector may be the foldable pallet reflector 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3C. This storage surface may be the spacecraft 116 shown in Figures 1 to 3C.

[0066] Method 500 includes, in 502, providing a foldable reflector pallet in an unfolded configuration relative to the storage surface (for example, as shown in Figure 3A or Figure 3B). This reflector pallet comprises a first reflector and a second reflector. Each of the first and second reflectors has a backing structure. The backing structures of the first and second reflectors are hinged together but otherwise physically separate sections. This hinged connection may consist of one or more hinges.

[0067] Method 500 further includes folding the folding mirror pallet in 504 by utilizing the hinge connection between the backing structures of the first and second mirrors (for example, as shown in Figure 1).

[0068] Method 500 further includes moving the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface in 506. The boom may be a multi-hinge boom. The movement may be achieved by active deployment (e.g., via an actuator) or passive deployment. In other embodiments, the foldable reflector pallet may be actuated by another type of actuator or manipulator. This actuator may be a standard gimbal.

[0069] The folding reflector pallet may be operated via a boom connected to the folding reflector pallet and storage surface (for example, via boom 112 as shown in Figure 3A or 3B).

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that this folding reflector pallet can be partially or completely folded before, during, or after it is operated relative to the storage surface.

[0071] While the above description presents examples of one or more devices, methods, or systems, it will be understood that other devices, methods, or systems may also be included in the claims as understood by those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 100 Foldable Reflecting Mirror Palette 102 First reflecting shell 103 Reflective Surface 104 First backing 106 Second reflecting shell 107 Reflective Surface 108 Second backing 110 connector 110a connector 110b connector 110c connector 112 Boom 113 Boom Segment 113a Boom Segment 113b Boom Segment 114 Connecting section, connecting section between reflectors, connector between reflectors 116 Spacecraft platform, spacecraft

Claims

1. A foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals, having a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed, A first reflector and a second reflector, each having a reflective surface, for reflecting RF signals in a deployed configuration, wherein the first reflector and the second reflector are connected to each other by a permanent connector, In the storage configuration, at least one temporary connector attached to the storage surface for detachably connecting to the first reflector and / or the second reflector, Equipped with, A folding mirror pallet in which the first and second mirrors are configured to selectively move between an unfolded configuration and a retracted configuration with respect to the permanent connector.

2. The folding mirror pallet according to claim 1, further comprising a boom or gimbal for moving the first mirror and the second mirror away from the storage surface in the deployed configuration.

3. The foldable reflector pallet according to claim 2, wherein the boom or gimbal comprises a plurality of segments.

4. The folding reflector pallet according to claim 1, wherein the at least one temporary connector comprises three temporary connectors.

5. The folding reflector pallet according to claim 1, wherein the storage surface is a spacecraft or a part of a spacecraft.

6. The folding mirror pallet according to claim 2, wherein the boom or gimbal for moving the first and second mirrors away from the storage surface is the only boom or gimbal provided on the folding mirror pallet.

7. The folding mirror pallet according to claim 1, wherein each reflector is positioned on the opposite side of its respective backing.

8. A method for deploying a foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals, having a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed, The steps include: preparing the foldable reflector pallet in a storage configuration adjacent to the storage surface; The steps include: operating the folding reflector pallet from the storage configuration relative to the storage surface, The steps include extending the aforementioned foldable reflector pallet and Methods that include...

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of operating the foldable reflector pallet relative to the storage surface includes the step of operating the foldable reflector pallet away from the storage surface via a boom or gimbal.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the boom or gimbal comprises a plurality of segments.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the boom or gimbal is the only boom or gimbal provided on the foldable reflector pallet.

12. A method for storing a foldable reflector pallet for reflecting radio frequency (RF) signals, having a smaller footprint when stored than when deployed, The steps include: preparing the foldable reflector pallet in an unfolded configuration relative to the storage surface; The steps include folding the aforementioned foldable reflector pallet, A step of operating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface, Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of activating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface includes the step of activating the foldable reflector pallet toward the storage surface via a boom or gimbal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the boom or gimbal comprises a plurality of segments.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the boom or gimbal is the only boom or gimbal provided on the folding reflector pallet.

Images