Chapter 5
Mechanical and Thermal Design of Space Antennas
5.1 Introduction: The Mechanical–Thermal–Electrical Triangle
Antennas belong to the category of external spacecraft appendages most severely exposed to thermal, radiation and mechanical environments, both during launch and in orbit. In addition, the requirements for RF performance, dimensional accuracy and stability, mass and stiffness drive their design and verification. The only solution to these demands is the use of the most advanced materials, manufacturing technologies and engineering methods. The latter imply a strong coordination of the disciplines involved, that is electrical, thermal and mechanical engineering. Often the same part or component has to fulfil a combination of functions, which means it has to respond to design and functional requirements originated by different disciplines. This is schematically sketched in Figure 5.1 taking into account the system engineering process.
Figure 5.1 The multidisciplinary scenario of spacecraft (S/C) antenna design with the mechanical–thermal–electrical triangle at the core.
In summary, the antenna requirements derived from user, mission and system requirements, combined with environmental and verification requirements, translate into RF, mechanical and thermal requirements. In this ...
