Uncertainty Quantification Analysis for a Ka-band Deploayble Mesh Reflector for INCUS

Abstract — This paper presents a statistical analysis to evaluate the impact of fabrication tolerances of a deployable mesh reflector on its electromagnetic performance. This study is carried out assigning a random displacement of the nodes composing the mesh of the reflector from their ideal position along the parabolic shape. This analysis is applied to a deployable mesh reflector operating at Ka-band which is being considered for a new NASA Earth science mission. The goal of this study is to evaluate how much an incorrect placement of the nodes will impact the radiation pattern of the reflector and its pointing.