Mesh Antenna - ILC Dover

ILC worked with Harris to develop an inflatable support structure to guide the deployment of, and structurally support, an 8m parabolic mesh antenna model. Inflatable structures were identified for study by Harris because of their packing efficiency and simplicity in operation (few moving parts). The demonstration unit was inflatable to facilitate study of multiple packing and deployment tests, but the final product was planned to be rigidizable.

ILC designed and manufactured the 8m inflatable tubular structure and deployment control system. Several deployment trials and shape assessments were conducted at ILC.