Measurement of electrostatically formed antennas using photogrammetry and theodolitesAn antenna concept is presently being evaluated which has extremely low mass and high surface precision for potential depolyment from the Space Shuttle. This antenna concept derives its reflector surface quality from the application of electrostatic forces to tension and form a thin membrane into the desired concave reflector surface. The Shuttle-deployed antenna would have a diameter of 100 meters and an RMS surface smoothness of 10 to 1 mm for operation at 1 to 10 GHz. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has built, and is currently testing, a subscale (1/20 scale) membrane reflector model of such an antenna. Several surface measurement systems were evaluated as part of the experimental surface measuring efforts. The surface measurement systems are addressed as well as some of the preliminary measurement results.
Document ID
19850033941
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goslee, J. W. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Hinson, W. F. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Kennefick, J. F. (JFK Associates Indialantic, FL, United States)
Mihora, D. J. (General Research Corp. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)