Development of a low expansion, composite antenna subreflector with a frequency selective surfaceA Kevlar-49 epoxy, composite frequency-selective-surface subreflector was developed for the high gain antenna used on the Voyager spacecraft. The Kevlar-49 material was selected for this sandwich structure because a dielectric material was required, and the use of Kevlar-49 resulted in a composite sandwich with a low thermal coefficient of expansion and reduced weight over an equivalent fiberglass construction. A detailed description and the results of the development program are given and include the design requirements for the structure, the development testing of the materials that led to the final design configuration, and the processes used to fabricate this advanced composite spacecraft antenna component.
Document ID
19780041303
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Stonier, R. A. (Ford Aerospace and Communications Corp. Palo Alto, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking