Shape control of reconfigurable antenna reflector: Concepts and strategies

Abstract

Mechanically reshapeable reflectors have the potential for enabling satellite antenna reconfiguration with lower cost, mass, power consumption and thermal dissipation than beam-forming active antenna arrays. This paper addresses two key challenges for the successful implementation of this technology which are the shape definition of the reflector and its on-orbit shape control. A method of shape optimization which simultaneously guarantees performances in terms of the Radio-Frequency pattern on the ground servicearea and structural strength and stability is presented. Moreover, the way in which the electro-mechanical nature of the reflector drives the implementation of its shape-control on-orbit is discussed.

Mechanically reconfigurable reflector for future smart space antenna application

“…Ultimately, the service life of the on-orbit satellite is reduced [1]. Unlike conventional reflecting antennas with fixed reflector surface, the smart space antenna with its mechanically reconfigurable reflector (MRR) not only compensates for surface deterioration but also adapts the beam shape by reshaping the reflector depending on the purpose [2][3][4][5][6]. By modifying its service coverage area, such space antennas can follow for example changes in the communications market.…”

“…Kalra and co-workers [19] used shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuators, which can generate large driving displacement, to reshape a parabolic antenna. From 2013 to 2014, in a series of studies conducted by two groups [2,3,[20][21][22], MRRs with linear actuator arrays were made and the proper mechanical properties for smooth reshaping were studied. In addition, Yoon [23,24] and Yasutaka [25] separately investigated the optimization of actuator placement and actuation values of the actuator arrays.…”