LSST (Hoop/Column) Maypole Antenna Development Program, phase 1, part 1

The first of a two-phase program was performed to develop the technology necessary to evaluate, design, manufacture, package, transport and deploy the hoop/column deployable antenna reflector by means of a ground based program. The hoop/column concept consists of a cable stiffened large diameter hoop and central column structure that supports and contours a radio frequency reflective mesh surface. Mission scenarios for communications, radiometer and radio astronomy, were studied. The data to establish technology drivers that resulted in a specification of a point design was provided. The point design is a multiple beam quadaperture offset antenna system wich provides four separate offset areas of illumination on a 100 meter diameter symmetrical parent reflector. The periphery of the reflector is a hoop having 48 segments that articulate into a small stowed volume around a center extendable column. The hoop and column are structurally connected by graphite and quartz cables. The prominence of cables in the design resulted in the development of advanced cable technology. Design verification models were built of the hoop, column, and surface stowage subassemblies. Model designs were generated for a half scale sector of the surface and a 1/6 scale of the complete deployable reflector.