Hybrid Inflatable Antenna (HIA) - ILC Dover

ILC worked with the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University to develop this novel hybrid reflector system for spacecraft communications. The Hybrid Inflatable Antenna (HIA) consists of a small fixed rigid reflector and an inflatable rigidizable large area reflector which dramatically increases the antennas capability. Hybridization reduced mission risk by facilitating communications even if the entire antenna did not successfully deploy.

ILC designed and manufactured the 2m (1/3 scale) rigidizable reflector and support structure which was then tested for shape accuracy after deployment. The proof of concept system was proven to be capable of x-band operation, and was projected to meet Ka-band operation with some refinement. RMS accuracy measurements indicated 1.1 mm RMS (0.75 mm RMS over high percentage - edge distortion). Several units were constructed using prototype tooling over a 14 month period.

Antenna Structure	Rear of Antenna
Deployed Antenna	Accuracy Testing With Non-Contact Laser System
System Concept