Testing of an Inflatable Antenna System with Shape Control Mechanism

The antenna system with shape control mechanism, which includes both radiation pattern analysis and structural control of its surface, is expected to be useful for space antennas. Testing is carried out to verify the system is effective even for inflatable antennas with strong nonlinearity. Deformed surface due to disturbance is measured, and its radiation patterns are calculated, instead of measuring the radiation patterns. Antenna surface error is estimated from these radiation patterns and it is reduced by controlling tensions of supporting cables. The effectiveness of the system is clearly shown from the controlled radiation pattern.