Description
This study enabled the design of a new Ku band antenna compatible of in orbit reconfiguration of the radiation pattern. The reconfiguration of the pattern is achieved by means of a number of mechanical actuators acting on a flexible reflecting surface.
The challenge of the project was the definition of a flexible shell compatible with RF and mechanical needs. The antenna design is based on a multidomain optimization (technology, mechanical, RF). An antenna architecture implementing a reconfigurable reflector has been defined and several analysis have been done to evaluate the achievable RF performances. A demonstration model of the reconfigurable reflector has been developed, surface shape measurement as well as electrical testing have been performed for 3 different target shapes. Nonlinear mechanical analysis has been required to predict surface shape. The demonstration model development and testing allowed to demonstrate the feasibility of this promising solution to provide in orbit reconfiguration of the antenna pattern. Further activities are still required to improve the TRL of the solution
