Fabrication and Evaluation of Two-Layer Woven Textile Deployable Reflect-Array Antenna Structure

This paper proposes a novel structural and fabrication methodology for a two-layer textile-based deployable reflect-array antenna and presents the construction of a 4.5 m^2 prototype. Conductive patterns are formed on the plain-woven textile surface using unique printing and plating technologies, allowing the textile to function as antenna elements. Catenary systems and shear-compliant boaders are designed. The proposed designs are evaluated through the fabrication of prototypes and ground-based tensioning tests. The findings of this study contribute to the realization of a future lightweight, highly stowable, and space-deployable reflect-array antenna structures, offering valuable insights for future satellite applications.