ESA’s AMPER (Advanced methods for mesh reflector with enhanced radiation pattern efficiency) task’s model 2.6-m size metal-mesh antenna reflector represents a huge advance for the European area sector. Credit: Leri Datashvili/Large Space Structures GmbH
This model 2.6-m size metal-mesh antenna reflector represents a huge advance for the European area sector: variations can be made to replicate any surface area pattern that antenna designers desire, something that was formerly possible just with standard strong antennas.
“This is really a first for Europe,” states ESA antenna engineer Jean-Christophe Angevain. “China and the US have also been working hard on similar shaped mesh reflector technology. It is needed so that sufficiently large antennas can be deployed in orbit, which would otherwise be too bulky to fit inside a launcher fairing, while also meeting required performance levels.”
ESA’s AMPER (Advanced methods for mesh reflector with enhanced radiation pattern efficiency) task carried out with Large Space Structures GmbH in Germany as prime and TICRA in Denmark as subcontractor.
Antenna reflectors for satellites are typically remarkably ‘lumpy’ looking. Their standard paraboloid convex shape is misshaped with extra peaks and valleys. These serve to contour the resulting radio frequency beam, generally to enhance signal gain over target nations and reduce it beyond their borders.
“This tailored surface shaping is traditionally done with traditional metal or carbon fibre reinforced plastic composite reflectors,” includes Jean-Christophe. “The challenge was how to reproduce such shaping using a mesh reflector design. The obvious solution would have been a conventional tension truss double layer solution, with the mesh held together tautly on an alternating ‘push and ‘pull’ basis. A smart alternative solution has been proposed and followed by the team.”
Leri Datashvili, CEO and Chief Designer of Large Space Structures describes: “The design of our shaped mesh reflector is based on tension members supported by a peripheral truss structure which enables decoupling of the shaped surface and the structure. Therefore, the design can be implemented for any size of reflector, for any frequencies ranging from P-band to Ka-band. Furthermore, either deployable or fixed reflector technology can be realized.”
“This 2.6-m ‘breadboard’ prototype proves the concept at C-band frequency, and the RF measurements have shown good correlation with radio-frequency and mechanical predictions” includes Jean-Christophe.
The AMPER task was supported through ESA’s Technology Development Element, with model screening performed in ESA’s Hertz chamber at its ESTEC technical center in the Netherlands. As a next action the AMPER group strategy to produce a deployable variation, focused on Earth observation in addition to telecoms utilizes.
Meanwhile this model reflector will be on program throughout next month’s virtual ESA Open Day at ESTEC.
