UNFOLDABLE LARGE-SIZED SPACE REFLECTOR (VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 2011 - IPC H01Q15/14 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: reflector has apparatus for facilitating unfolding from a transportation position into a working position, as well as mirror symmetric profiled meshes (5, 6) on one or each of which a flexible radio-reflecting element is mounted. The meshes are joined to each other on nodes by parallel threads (7). Said apparatus is in form of an airtight inflatable capsule (1) made from a flexible radiotransparent film. The capsule (1) is provided with reinforcement elements (2) for endowing it with an isotensoid shape when filled with gas. Elements (2) are in form of threads lying on the outer side of the capsule (1) with constant spacing on meridian lines. There are pairs of identical tension bars (9) inside the capsule (1). The tension bars are attached by their ends to threads (2) on the equatorial line of the capsule (1). The other ends of the tension bars are attached to ends of rigid props (8). The edges of the two profile meshes (5, 6) are attached to opposite ends of the props (8). In another version, the edges of the two meshes are attached to reinforcement threads on different sides of the equatorial plane of the capsule equidistant from it.

EFFECT: maintaining high geometric accuracy of the reflector upon unfolding and use thereof in space conditions while simultaneously increasing reliability owing to absence of movable mechanical elements and their joints, and low volume in transportation state.

7 cl, 6 dwg