The results to date indicate that surface shape errors do not increase directly with size. Further work in progress is needed to properly evaluate the scaling of surface error with size. These concentrators must be lightweight, low-cost, and still retain high precision to be of value. For ten years in orbit, such an inflated paraboloid with its make up gas is nominally an order of magnitude lower in weight than competing mechanical systems. There are other advantages of the inflatable structure.
Dynamic performance is improved through rapid damping and non-linear restoring forces.
The radiative exchange between the reflector and its canopy completing the balloon structure reduces thermal gradients by an order of magnitude. The inflatable typically can be packaged into odd shapes, so that volume limitations become a minor constraint. Inflatable devices typically have low development and production costs. These features potentially can reduce the cost of space reflectors by an order of magnitude, making possible space missions otherwise too costly. Pioneering work on inflatable reflectors for space was performed over 25 years ago.