DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF MEMBRANE BASED PARABOLIC SPACE REFLECTOR

In this paper, we first present a brief update on a model of a parabolic reflector which is easy to comprehend and simple to implement. This model simulation related to Gossamer Spacecraft. A membrane based inflatable parabolic reflector is a reflective surface used to collect or project energy such as light, sound or radio waves. It has high directivity. It transforms an incoming plane wave travelling along the axis into a spherical wave converging towards the focus. Test show these inflatable reflectors to provide significantly higher gain characteristics as compared to conventional antennas. This would lead to much higher data rates from low earth orbits and would provide enabling communication capabilities for small satellites in deeper space. This technology is critical to lowering costs of small satellites while enhancing their capabilities.