Surface Accuracy Measurement and Analysis of Fan-Fold Deployable Reflector

Large, light onboard antenna reflectors are required for SAR applications and high-performance communications. One of the significant issues with a large deployable reflector is ensuring parabolic surface accuracy. This study investigated surface error and deformation mechanisms of Fan-fold deployable reflectors with apertures of 1 and 2.5 m. Surface deformation was measured by a photogrammetry system. FEA was used to compare the measurement results and confirm the deformation behavior. Further, a method of improving the surface error was investigated based on the constructed FEA model. The measurement data and analysis revealed three deformation mechanisms. The measured error was 0.6 and 0.7 mm RMS for 1 and 2.5 m apertures, respectively. Our countermeasures improved the surface error to 0.14 mm RMS in the out-of-plane direction.