Citation

Abstract

The inflatable 32-GHz (Ka-band) 3-m reflectarray is being developed to achieve low mass and small launch-vehicle stowage volume for future deep-space telecommunication spacecraft antenna application. A technology demonstration model was developed previously with excellent radiation characteristics but poor antenna efficiency. This article documents the development of a second model that has improved the e–ciency from the previous 10 percent to 30 percent. This improvement is achieved primarily by a new element design with significantly improved impedance matching. A step-by-step development process and the areas for future improvement are also presented in this article.

Keywords

inflatable antenna reflectarray Ka-band efficiency

Details

Volume
42-143
Published
November 15, 2000
Pages
1–10
File Size
538.2 KB