This paper presents a new deployable reflector concept for an Earth observation mission that requires a low-cost L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instrument using an offset parabolic cylinder with a linear feed array. The required reflector shape is an offset parabolic cylinder with arc-length of 7.9 m and width of 3.2 m. A novel "hollow solid" structural concept is proposed that comprises curved surfaces formed from thin sheets of carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) connected by flexible hinges along the edges. The front surface of the hollow solid has the required shape for the reflector. This proposed structure has very high stiffness-to-mass-ratio, because of its thin-walled boxtype construction. A detailed study of a half-scale technology demonstrator, including design, manufacture and testing is presented in the paper. A preliminary design of the full-scale structure, which has an estimated mass of 33 kg, is also presented.
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