Deployable Antenna Support Structure for Compact Launch Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites require large antennas that are too large for launch as fixed structures, necessitating a stowable and expandable design that maintains structural integrity and proper spacing for antenna elements in orbit.
Innovation Solution
A deployable boom system with core and spacer boards, tension cords, and a stowable configuration that deploys multiple antenna elements and components from a stowed condition in orbit, using carbon fiber or composite materials for structural support and maintaining fixed distances between elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If large antennas are designed as fixed structures for launch, then antenna size and performance are improved, but the satellite cannot accommodate them due to launch vehicle constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple discrete elements that can be independently stowed and later assembled in orbit. Each element is a separate component that can fit within launch vehicle constraints, yet when assembled together forms the large required antenna aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a static stowed configuration during launch to a dynamic deployed configuration in orbit. The structure is designed to be reconfigurable, allowing it to change from a compact form factor suitable for launch to a large deployed form factor for operational use.
2Volume of moving object
If antennas are stowed for launch and deployed in orbit, then launch volume constraints are satisfied, but maintaining structural integrity and proper spacing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A central boom structure serves as an intermediary framework that provides precise mechanical positioning for the antenna elements. The boom acts as a reference structure that maintains accurate spacing between elements during both deployment and operational phases, eliminating the need for complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural properties of the boom are optimized to provide sufficient rigidity and dimensional stability. By carefully selecting material properties and cross-sectional geometry, the boom maintains precise element spacing under various operational conditions including thermal expansion and mechanical loads.
3Volume of moving object
If deployable boom structures are used to support antenna elements, then launch constraints are met, but the complexity of the deployment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements and boom are pre-assembled into a compact stowable configuration on the ground before launch. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity of in-orbit operations, as the structure only requires simple deployment actions rather than complex assembly procedures once in space.
4Area of moving object
If multiple antenna elements are deployed from a stowed condition, then large antenna aperture is achieved, but ensuring proper spacing and alignment in orbit becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The central boom serves as a stable reference framework that maintains precise geometric relationships between antenna elements. By attaching elements to this rigid intermediary structure, the system achieves stable alignment without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for space-based antennas. The structure includes a boom and core and spacer boards disposed along a length of the boom. The boom extends through an opening in each board. Antenna elements are attached to core boards. A top board is rotatably affixed to a first end of the boom and a bottom board affixed to a base surface of a stow tube in which all the elements are stored prior to deployment. A material of the antenna elements comprises a flexible material, allowing the elements to be stowed in a restricted volume of the stow tube prior to deployment into an operational configuration. Tension cords, disposed longitudinally along the boom and attached to each one of the core and spacer boards, are tensioned after deployment to ensure the core boards and the antenna elements thereon are spaced apart as required.