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An active alignment scheme for the MPTS arrayIn order to achieve and maintain required flatness of the antenna array, a rotating laser beam used for leveling applications on earth was utilized as a reference system. A photoconductive sensor with a reflective collecting surface determines the displacement and polarity of any misalignment and automatically engages a stepping motor to drive a variable-length mechanism to make the necessary corrections. Once aligned, little power is dissipated since a nulling bridge circuit that centers on the beam is used. A three-point subarray alignment arrangement is described which independently adjusts, in the three orthogonal directions, the height and tilt of subarrays within the MPTS array and readily adapts to any physical distortions of the secondary structure (such as that resulting from severe temperature extremes caused by an eclipse of the Sun). It is shown that only one rotating laser system is required since optical blockage is minimal on the array surface and that it is possible to incorporate a number of redundant laser systems for reliability without affecting the overall performance.
Document ID
19810008022
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Iwasaki, R.
(Axiomatix Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Johnson Space Center Solar Power Satellite Microwave Transmission and Reception
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
81N16539
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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