Tenders Are Invited For Performance Demonstration Of An In-Orbit Assembled Large Reflector Antenna Expro Plus

Tenders are invited for Rf Performance Demonstration of an in-Orbit Assembled Large Reflector Antenna Expro plus To develop a reduced breadboard demonstrating the assembly of shaped panels with electrical connectivity between them with the goal to assemble a large reflector antenna and validate the RF performance on ground.Description: Despite the evolution of the antenna technologies and the development of new antenna architectures, reflector antennas remain as a reliable solution when large antennas are required. In order to comply with the requirements of the future missions, reflector antennas larger than the fairing diameter of the launchers are required. Large deployable antennas based on mesh technology with different deployment mechanisms have been considered allowing the implementation of antennas in the order of 10m. New manufacturing techniques based on in-orbit assembly have been proposed in order to achieve reflector diameters in the order of 25m or larger, which it would be an enabler for new applications, for example, in telecommunications, earth observation and exploration applications. The technology based on robotic arms required for the mechanical connection of flat panels has already been demonstrated on ground. However, in order to use this structure as an antenna, the assembly of shaped panels forming a parabola and ensuring the electrical connection between them must be realized. In this activity, the technology for the connection of shaped panels with the aim of assembling a large reflector antenna shall be demonstrated, including the electrical connectivity between them. A feed shall be considered for the illumination of a reducedprototype. The RF performance of such an antenna shall be demonstrated through radiation pattern measurements and gain characterization. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Requirements consolidation and architecture trade-off - Preliminary design and breadboarding - Detailed design and analysis - Manufacturing and integration - Testing - Conclusions and technology development roadmapDeliverables: Breadboard, Report Read less Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open