Foldable Solid RF Reflector Architectures

About this technology

Overview

Inventors at the NASA Langley Research Center have designed innovative foldable large-scale parabolic reflectors. This solution addresses the challenges of scaling solid surface reflectors to beyond 10-meter diameter, enabling higher gains, improved data transfer rates, and superior overall performance. Leveraging an independently developed shape memory composite, two new foldable reflector architectures were designed that may be deployed through embedded compliant mechanisms. The concentric stack-and-connect architecture features a set of rigid reflective panels that packages concentrically while the umbrella architecture utilizes a thin shell reflective surface that stows like an umbrella. These designs overcome the scaling complexities of other solid reflectors and prioritize lightweight materials and high packing efficiency. The precisely controlled deployment mechanisms ensure accurate shaping and alignment, making it an ideal solution for space communications and radio astronomy.