Focal-Region Array Feeds for Distortion Compensation and Diagnostics of Large Inflatable Reflector Antennas

摘要

Advances in the electromagnetic simulation of inflatable reflector antennas are described. Examples of proposed missions using inflatable antenna technology (IAT) are given. Techniques are presented to compensate for structural distortions using array feeds and subreflector shaping. It is possible to noticeably reduce the deteriorating effect of distortions using these compensation techniques. Additionally, the application of a technique based on focal plane diagnostics is summarized.