A reflector antenna system, comprising: a) a hoop assembly comprising a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge members (302, 304), the hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration wherein the link members extend substantially parallel to one another and an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop; b) 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; c) a housing comprising a frame structure adapted to define an interior space for stowing of the mesh reflector; d) a mast assembly including an extendible boom, wherein the hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords (208, 210) relative to a top portion of the boom and to a bottom portion of the boom such that upon extension of the boom to a deployed condition, the hoop assembly is supported by the boom; characterized in that the reflector antenna system further comprises e) an antenna feed adapted to be located on or in the housing so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern; f) at least one solar panel (1500,1502) that is movably coupled to the housing of the reflector antenna system, wherein the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) is configured to be movable between a stowed position in which the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) extends parallel to a center axis of the housing in a first direction and a deployed position in which the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) extends parallel to the center axis of the housing in a second opposed direction, the second opposed direction being away from the mesh reflector when expanded. a) a hoop assembly comprising a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge members (302, 304), the hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration wherein the link members extend substantially parallel to one another and an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop; b) 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; c) a housing comprising a frame structure adapted to define an interior space for stowing of the mesh reflector; d) a mast assembly including an extendible boom, wherein the hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords (208, 210) relative to a top portion of the boom and to a bottom portion of the boom such that upon extension of the boom to a deployed condition, the hoop assembly is supported by the boom; characterized in that the reflector antenna system further comprises e) an antenna feed adapted to be located on or in the housing so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern; f) at least one solar panel (1500,1502) that is movably coupled to the housing of the reflector antenna system, wherein the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) is configured to be movable between a stowed position in which the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) extends parallel to a center axis of the housing in a first direction and a deployed position in which the at least one solar panel (1500,1502) extends parallel to the center axis of the housing in a second opposed direction, the second opposed direction being away from the mesh reflector when expanded.