Overview of the Innovative Space-Based Radar Antenna Technology Program

摘要

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency accomplishedntechnology development and demonstration toward a 300 m deployable space antenna under the Innovative Space-nBased Radar Antenna Technology program. Risk-reduction activities focused on deployment testing, calibration,nstructuralmetrology, and real-time compensation.A12mphased-array-fed reflector engineering test unitwas testednin a laboratory environment and demonstrated shaping of a single-curved, parabolic-cylinder mesh surface andndeployment repeatability. A 12 m engineering test unit using rigidizable-inflatable structural components was alsontested, but this approach was more problematic and less robust. Finally, two antenna metrology and compensationnengineering test units were tested in a compact range. The results from one were reported. Data showed that thenclosed-loop system minimized phase error to less than 1=30 of a wavelength, given realistic disturbance inputs.