Ultralight deployable multi-modular faced reflectarray

Resumen

This paper proposes a multi-modular and multifaceted reflectarray antenna solution that reduces the weight and complexity of implementation. The antenna consists of multiple facets, not aligned among them, and following an equivalent parabolic reflector profile. The supporting structure of the antenna is stowed and deployed in several parts to accommodate the facets of the structure. Each facet consists of one or several modules with ultrathin and flexible surface that are independently deployed to conform the surface of each facet. The use of multi-faceted topologies enhances the electrical performance of the antenna compared to planar apertures and relaxes the accuracy constraints imposed in the reflector surface, compared to parabolic reflectors. A modular approach from mechanical and RF point of view is a more robust solution to overcome bandwidth limitations and deployment failures of large reflectarrays.