Adjustment Procedure of a High Precision Deployable Mesh Antenna for MUSES-B Spacecraft

Abstract

In this paper, a precise on-ground adjustment procedure of a high precision deployable space antenna which has to keep the required surface accuracy in space environment, such as zero gravity, high vacuum, etc., is investigated. For space structure systems in the relatively near future the active shape control technology in orbits is still not matured, and it is important to predict their in-orbit performance before launch. Especially for flexible systems precise mathematical models are necessary to compensate the gravity effects in their assembly and adjustment phases on ground. Those models must include sufficient characteristic changes caused by environmental deferences in space. One attempt of such adaptive adjustment procedures in the development of a high precision deployable space antenna planned by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) is introduced.