Antenna development for the Space Shuttle Orbiter vehicle

Abstract

A number of difficulties have to be overcome in connection with the design and the mounting of the antennas of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. These difficulties, in combination with a service life goal of 100,000 h, made it necessary to develop antennas with special design features. The particular problems associated with developing antennas for the Shuttle Orbiter are discussed. It is pointed out that this vehicle must function as both a spacecraft and as an aircraft. This feature imposes some rather severe design constraints on the Shuttle antennas. The various structural, operational, and environmental design requirements are considered and design techniques which are used to meet these requirements are examined. A description is presented of the methods employed for testing the various antennas, both with and without the thermal protection system.