Control of large space antennas based on electromagnetic-structural models

Abstract

A general approach to the optimal control of large space antennas based on their RF/structural characteristics is described. The approach consists of defining a cost functional based on the degradation of the RF performance of the antenna and using the structural model as the dynamic system. The method is applied to the design of an optimal controller for a 55-m, wrap-rib offset-fed antenna. The controller's goal is to minimize the variations of the peak electric field of the antenna due to feed displacements.