Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a reflector system. The methods comprise: structurally supporting a mesh reflector surface using a circumferential hoop that is coupled to a boom via cords; supporting the circumferential hoop using a series of cords extending at least from a base structure of the reflector system to the circumferential hoop and from the boom to the circumferential hoop (where the line of action of all the cords intersect an axis of symmetry of the circumferential hoop); and preventing rotation of the circumferential hoop using at least a first set of additional cords extending from the base structure of the reflector system to the circumferential hoop (where the additional cords of the first set both point to a first point that is horizontally offset from the axis of symmetry).

Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.