The scientific satellite “HALCA”, equipped with a 8 m diameter precision deployable antenna, is now in the earth orbit and is operating as an orbiting radio-telescope. The satellite has a dual purpose. It is the experimental satellite dedicated to the research and development of high precision large deployable antennas. It is also the first astronomical satellite dedicated to Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). The antenna design is based on the concept of tension truss antenna to meet with the requirement of VLBI mission, such that it can be used within the frequency range of 1.60–1.73GHz, 4.7–5.0GHz and 22.0–22.3GHz. The successful observations obtained by the VLBI space observatory program have proved the excellent performance of the antenna This is one of the milestones of large space structure technology. Figure 1 shows the tension truss antenna deployed on the ground before the packaging.
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