Abstract
An inflatable deployable and rib-supported structural model for large-scale and light weight space reflectors is introduced in this paper. The reflector is designed to be stowed or folded for launch and deployed on the orbit. It is constructed by five parts: central connection tank, radial supporting ribs, inflation bags, meshed reflective surface and supporting booms. To evaluate the feasibility and capability of structural design, main parts of a five meter diameter parabolic reflector model have been fabricated and integrated. Some problems and techniques using in structural design, processing, fold and deployment tests are briefly described. Fold and inflation deployment tests of this model have been conducted on a micro-gravity simulation platform. Results indicated that this kind of reflectors have relatively simple and stable deployment process and might easily achieve higher surface precision.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1015-1019 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | European Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP |
| Issue number | 581 |
| State | Published - 2005 |
| Event | European Conference on Spacecraft Structures, Materials and Mechanical Testing 2005 - Noordwijk, Netherlands Duration: 10 May 2005 → 12 May 2005 |