REFLECTOR (DESIGN VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: large-area space antennas for communications satellites, space radiotelescopes, side-looking radars, solar concentrators. SUBSTANCE: reflector has central reflecting surface with flexible ribs spring-loaded for scanning and attached on one end to it, as well as flexibl nonstretching guys calibrated in lengh and joined with first ends to tensioning mechanism and with second ends, to ribs. The latter are arranged in parallel to each other in two diametrically opposite directions. Peripheral reflecting surface (first deesing form) is built up of separate stiff rectangular shaped boards arranged in tandem and fixed on ribs for displacement along them. Peripheral surface (second desing version) is provided with shaped jumpers joined with ribs and curtain and placed perpendicular to ribs. When in transit, peripheral reflecting surface iss folded up into two rolls secured on central reflecting surface. EFFECT: enlarged span of tens of meters at small mass and size in traveling position; simplified design; improved accuracy of reflecting surface. 5 cl, 8 dwg