THERMAL BENDING OF LONG THIN-WALL BOOMS DUE TO SOLAR DIFFERENTIAL HEATING IN NEAR-EARTH ORBITS,

Earth-orbiting radio astronomy satellites are currently receiving feasibility studies at APLJHU. As part of these studies, thermal bending associated with solar and earth albedo heating of the proposed 1000-ft antennas has been examined. This report is intended to 1 Present the results of thermal bending analyses and experimentation. 2 Define the pertinent physical parameters affecting bending. 3 Recommend antenna configurations which will minimize thermal bending.