 | | | | |
| | | | | |
|
TEC-EDP Spacecraft structuresTerms of ReferenceDuties of the Structures sectionTechnology areas Antenna structures Composite structuresFracture control / Damage toleranceInflatable structures for space applicationsMeteoroid and debris shieldingStructural verification of manned payloadsStructural design and analysis Configuration studiesStructural AnalysisProject support Project support activitiesServices EventsContact us
| | | | | | | | | | Reflector stowed |
Antenna structures
The Structures section is the technical focal point for all mechanical aspects related to Antennas and reflectors.
Various related technology developments responding to the ever complex spacecraft mission requirements are being pursued, including the development of large deployable antennas, stable antenna structures and ultra lightweight antenna structures.
In the following example of recent or running developments are shown:
Large Deployable Antenna
Unfurlable mesh reflector of 12 m projected aperture, developed for telecommunications applications. The deployable arm, trimming mechanism, antenna hold-down and reflector have been ground-tested to EQM level.
Reflector deployed
| | | HSASS antenna reflector in DLR TV chamber |
Highly stable antenna structures
Q/V band reflector for telecommunications or Earth Observation, with or without metallisation, built with UHM pitch carbon fibres and cyanate ester resin system. This family of composites constitutes the basic building block for the state-of-the-art antenna reflector technologies.
New generation cyanate ester resin systems show superior performances in terms of microcracking, moisture absorption and thermal and thermoelastic behaviour.
| | Carbon honeycomb core in full CFRP sandwich | |
Most antenna reflector manufacturers employ this family of materials. One example is the European resin system, developed by ACG Group with ESA contribution. Pitch Carbon fibres provide an improved thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as elastic modulus.
| | | 2.3m ASAS reflector |
Ultra-light Antennas for telecommunications
The accurate modelling and prediction of thermoelastic stability and vibroacoustic behaviour are critical for antenna performance. A TRP contract (Modelling of Porous shells) is devoted to this task, which is aimed at improving the analytical and numerical tools that support antenna developments.
3.8 m ASAS reflector (EADS-ST)
Triax woven carbon fabric
Foldable Carbon composites
New generation of silicone based carbon composite
SMART reflector
L-band SAR structure
Random vibration test of tile
Last update: 28 August 2007 | |
| |
|
