Flexible Surface Reflector Antenna for Small Satellites
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A novel deployable reflector antenna for small satellites has been designed, fabricated, and experimentally validated. The reflector utilizes a doubly curved flexible surface manufactured from a triaxially woven fabric-reinforced silicone (TWFS) composite. By leveraging high-strain composite materials, the design enables a highly compact stowed configuration while maintaining precise surface accuracy upon deployment. The deployment mechanism is proposed to accommodate a 0.6 m diameter parabolic reflector within a minimal stowed volume, optimizing space efficiency for satellite integration. To validate this concept, a prototype of the reflector antenna has been fabricated and demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Source: Aerospace
Authors: Dong-Seok Kang, Dong-Hun Keum, Jun-Hyeong Choi, Min-Hyuk Lee, Kitae Park, Hwa-Young Jung, Deok-Soo Kang, Ji-Hyeon Yun, Jae-Wook Lee, Jin-Ho Roh
Institution: Korea Aerospace University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4410155836