DEVELOPMENT OF AN INFLATABLE SPACE SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR

A concept of applying inflatable technology to future synthetic aperture radar (SAR) array antennas was developed. The feasibility of this inflatable SAR concept was successfully proved by fabricating, assembling and ground testing a 1/3 scale model. Results of radar range tests showed that excellent RF performance can be achieved at significantly reduced mass and launch volume. Technical issues to be addressed by further development efforts were identified. Planning of a space experiment using a full-scale inflatable SAR with an aperture of 10 m by 3 m has also been initiated.