Building blocks of large deployable precision membrane reflectors

A design concept for a family of large deployable high-precision space reflectors is proposed. Its building blocks consist of radial bi-stable ribs eventually combined with additional annular ribs or with tensioned membranes which together form the backside structure of a reflector. Mesh or different versions of membranes, including parabolically curved quasi-membrane, might be used as reflective surfaces. Studies were carried out in quasi-membrane technology and preliminary results are presented. Controllability for deployment is provided and possibilities for shape control could be also included. Discussion of these building blocks shows considerable design flexibility and adaptability which challenges for further investigations of proposed concept.