Technology for the ERS-1 SAR antenna

The metallization of CFRP waveguides, the Deployable Truss Structure (DTS) and verification in terrestrial environment of the 10 x 1 m SAR antenna of ERS-1 (ESA satellite) are discussed. Waveguide metallization was achieved indirectly with metallization of the mandrel prior to CFRP lay-up, and directly, by electroplating of manufactured CFRP components. Both techniques proved unsatisfactory, but a surface treatment applied to the metal layer in the indirect technique improves adhesion strength by an order of magnitude, and enables the waveguides to meet requirements. The DTS satisfies launch, deployment, and inflight specifications for a 5 panel/2 wing structure. Ground tests include analytical simulation of deployment with and without gravity effects, and a gravity compensation technique for tests.