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Spacecraft with active antenna array protected against temperature extremes

  • US 5,927,654 A
  • Filed: 05/16/1997
  • Issued: 07/27/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A spacecraft, comprising:

  • a body;

    a deployable active antenna array including at least one active antenna array panel defining an electromagnetic energy radiating first side and a heat radiating second side, said active antenna array panel, in a stowed state, being stowed with one of said first and second sides facing said body and the other one of said first and second sides more remote from, and facing away from said body, in such a manner that said body tends to prevent radiation to and from one of said first and second sides of said antenna panel, and in a deployed state, said active array panel being ultimately supported by said body in a location in which said electromagnetic energy radiating first side and said heat radiating second side of said antenna panel radiate substantially free from impediment of radiation by said body; and

    a deployable solar array including at least one solar panel defining an active side responsive to solar radiation for producing electrical energy, said solar array panel, in a deployed state, being located relative to said antenna array panel in such a manner as not to substantially impede said radiation of heat and electromagnetic energy therefrom, and in a stowed state, being stowed in proximity to that one of said first and second sides of said antenna array panel remote from said body, whereby said solar array panel tends to insulate said antenna array panel against temperature changes attributable to radiative gain or loss of heat.

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