SPACE MIRROR AND METHOD OF ITS DEVELOPMENT IN SPACE (VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 2011 - IPC B64G1/22 B64G1/10 

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to design and operation of spacecraft equipment, particularly, artificial Erath satellites. In compliance with first version, space mirror comprises rigid carcass and flexible structure made up of thin metalised film. Carcass has rigid plate 1 at its center and light-allow bars 3 running radially from plate edges. Carcass is glued to central part (central hole edge) of film substrate. As-folded, said substrate is arranged inside space formed by plate 2 and bars 3 folded perpendicular to plate. Channels made up of thin-wall hoses 6 are made on mirror surface that faces satellite. Said hoses are made from the same material said film is made of. Mirror is unfolded on turning bars 3 in plane of plate 2 by means of hinges 4 with retainers. Gas is fed into channels 6 for film to make mirror operating surface. In compliance with another version, film may be developed on charging metalised film with static electricity. On feeding, for example, negative charge to film, electrons are concentrated along film edges to create tensioning required to develop mirror working surface.

EFFECT: simple and cheap design, reliable development in space.

10 cl, 3 dwg