Precipitation Radar Antenna - ILC Dover

The JPL precipitation radar antenna program was unique in its requirements for a deployable reflector. The reflector was a single axis parabolic reflector that was edge supported by an interface attachment between the reflector and a rigidizable inflatable support structure. The 5m x 5m reflector was a combination Ku/Ka-band system (0.17mm RMS) and required a high accuracy reflector that was line fed. The assembly was required to be <2Kg/m2 and be rolled to protect the integrity of the membrane during launch.

Through configuration analysis and system design, ILC developed a specialized composite membrane with optical coatings to realize the accuracy while only tensioning the unit in one direction. Reflector deployment and shape accuracy testing was conducted at ILC.

PRA Reflector Deployed	Laser Shape Accuracy Testing
PRA Reflector Packed