Study on a Calibration Method for Shape Control Parameters of a Self-Sensing Reflector Antenna Equipped with Surface Adjustment Mechanisms

摘要

In this study, a novel method for the on-orbit calibration for shape control parameters of a self-sensing reflector antenna equipped with surface adjustment mechanisms is developed and verified. These control parameters are related to the control inputs for shape control and changes in the antenna gains caused by intentional deformations. In the antenna system, intentional deformations are added to the reflector surface using surface adjustment mechanisms, and the corresponding changes in the antenna gains are measured. The control inputs for correcting the shape of the deformed reflector are determined directly from information on the changes in the strengths of received radio waves using the calibrated shape control parameters. Some numerical simulations are performed to investigate the feasibility of the developed method. A demonstrator equipped with surface adjustment mechanisms is under development, and the corresponding numerical model is employed for the numerical simulations. The results of these simulations show that the parameters are calibrated appropriately and the deformation of the antenna reflector is properly corrected by the developed method. The results clearly indicate that the developed method is an effective means of controlling the shape of a reflector antenna equipped with surface adjustment mechanisms.