Innovative Space-Based Antenna Technology

The Innovative Space-Based Antenna Technology (ISAT) program is intended to enable nonstop global surveillance of moving ground targets. These satellites are designed to operate in a medium earth orbit (MEO) to provide improved coverage when compared to low-orbiting satellites. Such technology will require fewer satellites for global coverage and hence reduce the overall cost involved. Continuum models seem to offer a viable alternative to FEA approach for modeling Large Space Structure (LSS). A very important aspect to consider for the design of LSS is the thermally induced vibrations. As the satellite moves from sun to shade the enormous temperature gradients within a few hours can cause considerable thermal flutter, induced vibrations and thermal creak. Our ultimate mission is to develop a continuum model of the ISAT and to design a control system for the reduced order continuum model as well as development of a suitable model for the thermally induced vibrations.

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