Current status and research development of space membrane reflectors

Space membrane reflectors have became promising mirrors for space science fields in recent years, for they are favorable properties in low area density, low producing costs and the reliability easy to fold and deploy. It is proved that the space membrane reflectors can meet the requirements of ultra lightweight and super size space mirrors. In this paper, the development of membrane reflectors is introduced, including the theoretical foundation of membrane reflectors, the representative achievements of inflatable membrane reflectors and electrostatic stretch membrane reflectors and other kinds of membrane reflectors. Then, it puts the focuses on the discussion about the production status of polyimide(PI) films for membrane reflectors, and the shape control and shape tests of membrane reflectors, also the design of supporting structures of reflectors. In addition, it analyzes the technical difficulty for developing the space membrane reflectors and summarizes the development, application and current status of the membrane reflectors. From analysis and discussion reported here, it is clear that the space membrane reflectors will be widely used in space telescopes, space surveillance cameras, artificial suns and microwave antennas in the space science fields in the coming decades.