Large deployable antenna with cable net composition for satellite use

A parabolic surface can be well approximated by a cable net if the length o f each cable element is properly chosen. The mesh attached to the cable net forms the antenna reflector. The reflector can be easily stowed by stowing the extensional mast. The advantage of this antenna concept is the large r atio of the stowed volume to the deployed aperture area. This article descr ibes the problems related to this antenna concept and their solutions. Firs t, the structure, the deployment method, and the materials are explained. N ext, a method to avoid the entanglement of cables during deployment and the gravity cancellation method are explained. The surface accuracy and the el ectrical performance are also described. This antenna was launched aboard t he space VLBI satellite and deployed successfully on the orbit. (C) 2000 Sc ripta Technica.