Abstract: A deployable antenna is described. The antenna comprises a mesh attached to foldable ribs, a hub and a sub-reflector. The antenna can be stowed in a tight space for launching in space, and later deployed by extending out of its container. The antenna is designed to work in the Ka band or other bands and can increase data rates and function as a radio antenna.

Abstract: A deployable antenna is described. The antenna comprises a mesh attached to foldable ribs, a hub and a sub-reflector. The antenna can be stowed in a tight space for launching in space, and later deployed by extending out of its container. The antenna is designed to work in the Ka band or other bands and can increase data rates and function as a radio antenna.

Abstract: A deployable antenna is described. The antenna comprises a mesh attached to foldable ribs, a hub and a sub-reflector. The antenna can be stowed in a tight space for launching in space, and later deployed by extending out of its container. The antenna is designed to work in the Ka band or other bands and can increase data rates and function as a radio antenna.

Abstract: A spacecraft, such as a satellite, comprises a panel array including a plurality of panels that are rotatably coupled to one another. The panel array is movable between a folded state and an extended state. In the folded state, the panels are stacked atop one another. In the extended state, the panels are positioned such that active surfaces of the panels are aligned within a common plane. A plurality of hinge mechanisms preferably rotatably couple the panels to one another. The hinge mechanisms are configured to move the panel array from the folded state to the extended state without interfering with the active surfaces of the panels when the panel array is extended.

Abstract: A spacecraft, such as a satellite, comprises a panel array including a plurality of panels that are rotatably coupled to one another. The panel array is movable between a folded state and an extended state. In the folded state, the panels are stacked atop one another. In the extended state, the panels are positioned such that active surfaces of the panels are aligned within a common plane. A plurality of hinge mechanisms preferably rotatably couple the panels to one another. The hinge mechanisms are configured to move the panel array from the folded state to the extended state without interfering with the active surfaces of the panels when the panel array is extended.

Abstract: A perimeter truss structure (103) that may be used, for example, to support an RF reflector may include multiple deployed bays (200) arranged in a ring. Each deployed bay (200) includes a first upper horizontal support member (726) attached to a first vertical support member (706) and collapsible on a first joint (728) translating on a second vertical support member (708), as well as a first lower horizontal support member (714) attached to the second vertical support member (708) and collapsible on a second joint (744) translating on the first vertical support member (706). The first and second vertical support members (706, 708) define a ring inside (122) and a ring outside (124). The first upper horizontal support member (712) is disposed on one ring side (e.g., the outside), while the first lower horizontal support member (714) is disposed on the opposite ring side.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use in antennas or solar collectors in which light weight and high reflector surface shape accuracy are essential for maintaining desired RF or light reflection requirements. The assembly is provided with a rigid, deployable outer support rim and at least one curved frame net supported by the outer rim. The frame net may be formed of a network of intersecting bands extending across the surface. A reflective material is placed against the frame net. A load is applied to the frame net to form a concave surface. The assembly is collapsible for convenient delivery into space prior to deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing an Environmental Control System (ECS) for use in conjunction with a turbine engine power plant, to deliver a flow of purified, conditioned air to an enclosed space, such as an aircraft cabin. The ECS includes contaminate neutralization means to neutralize airborne chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable, telescoping style mast assembly and method employs a plurality of tubular sections of differing diameters. The tubular sections are nested one-in-another and are slidable with respect to each other, in a telescoping manner, to provide a deployable/retractable telescoping mast assembly. Retractable pins are provided to retractably extend from a collar coupled to at least one of the tube sections. In their extended state, the retractable pins are adapted to extend through apertures provided in an adjacent tube section. The retractable pins are provided with a head at one end thereof. The head of each pin is adapted to be engaged by a guide coupled to a third tube section upon the third tube section being in a collapsed state. Upon engagement with the pin head, the guide operates to pull the pin into a retracted state so as to retract the pin out of the pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: An air cycle machine for use within an Environmental Control System (ECS) operating in conjunction with a turbine engine. The air cycle machine includes two turbines commonly mounted on a shaft with a compressor. The air cycle machine is designed to directly receive high temperature, high pressure bleed air from the turbine engine and maximize energy extraction and utilization of the bleed air.

Abstract: An advanced Environmental Control System (ECS) for use in conjunction with a turbine engine to provide conditioned, pressurized air to an enclosed space such as an aircraft cabin, as well as cooling capacity for the aircraft avionics. The ECS features a dual turbine air cycle machine to minimize the amount of bleed air or power required from the turbine engine.