Patent ID: 6424314
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: H01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for movably supporting a reflector of an antenna assembly for a satellite, said assembly including a signal feed fixed to said antenna assembly at an attachment point, said apparatus comprising:an elongated boom having a longitudinal axis and an inboard and outboard end, said inboard end attached to said satellite in close proximity to said attachment point of said signal feed; a first pair of actuators constructed to provide rotary motion about first and second orthogonal axes, said first pair of actuators connected to said inboard end of said boom to provide motion of the boom relative to the satellite about said first and second axes; a second pair of actuators constructed to provide rotary motion about third and forth orthogonal axes, said second pair of actuators connected to said outboard end of said boom and to said reflector to provide motion of the reflector relative to said boom about said third and fourth axes; and wherein said actuators are selectively driven to move said reflector on said boom between a position of being stowed to a position of being deployed and wherein, in said deployed position, said reflector is in accurate alignment with said signal feed.