The novel design concept for the tensioning system of an inflatable planar membrane reflector

The membrane structures are the potential solution for near term spacecraft systems due to its significant advantages such as lightweight, higher folding and packaging efficiency, ease of deployment, and low on-board volume requirement. For the membrane structures, maintaining the uniform state of stress conditions with a minimum mass penalty of a tensioning system is the most challenging task for space industries. The inflatable planar membrane reflector is attached to the satellite body, used for bidirectional communication between the satellite and earth stations. The aim of the study is to develop the methodology for designing the tensioning system for a planar membrane reflector antenna. The work presents a novel average diagonal stress distribution relation for rectangular membrane reflector. The loading analysis of membrane reflector and tensioning chord is carried out numerically and experimentally to achieve the design goals of the antenna structure. The outcome of the loading analysis is compared and found to be consistent with the method available in the literature. The inflatable torus diameter is calculated based on the tensioning force required at anchor points.