DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES OF A 1.2M DIA. MECHANICALLY ACTIVE SPACECRAFT ANTENNA REFLECTOR USING PLASMA ETCHING AND MAGNETRON-SPUTTERING
- Paper number
IAC-09.C2.5.10
- Author
Dr. BHAWDEEP SINGH Munjal, Indian Space Research Organization, India
- Coauthor
Mr. ANIL CHAND MATHUR, Indian Space Research Organisation, India
- Coauthor
Dr. SHASHI BHUSHAN SHARMA, Indian Space Research Organisation, India
- Year
2009
- Abstract
This paper highlights the entire development efforts put during the process of fabricating a smart mechanically active spacecraft antenna using state-of-the-art-smart materials, approaches and smart structural systems. The paper covers the process of Surface activation, metallization and qualification of a parabolic spacecraft antenna reflector made up of Polycarbonate material by using Plasma etching and magnetron sputtering process. This innovative approach of metallizing the surface of the reflector is proposed for possible applications in the futuristic Reconfigurable spacecraft reflectors for Indian GEOSAT missions. A 1200 mm diameter C-band metalized reflector with piezoceramic Unimorphs and Bimorphs on convex side has been investigated from the point of view of reflector shape deformation under electric field for antenna beam steering applications using mechanical means and not through phase shifters. An attempt has been made in a hither to fore unexplored domain, from RF reflectivity point of view; to metalize, a hydrophobic Polycarbonate material using Magnetron Sputtering approach after Plasma Etching, ablation and Nitrogen Purging at Institute of Plasma Research, Ahmedabad, India. The surface energy increase of the hydrophobic material improves the adhesion properties of the metal coating on the polycarbonate reflectors. The bending of the reflector skin for the “1.2M ф dia. proof of concept model”, due to strain transfer of the Piezo patches on the convex surface of the reflector; has potential applications in antenna beam shaping and beam steering. An inovative back up structure has been developed using smart materials and structural systems to achieve the antenna beam steering. The test results of the beam shift have been presented after testing the antenna at CATF ( Compact Antenna Test Facility ) at Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation Ahmedabad, India. This approach has potential applications in the futuristic Ku / Ka & U/V band reconfigurable spacecraft antenna reflectors.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)