torus slenderness ratio B = 45.7 The flexible elements of this structure fit inside a cylinder with 0,5-m diameter and 0.45-m high, for following packaging densities: ♦ IS RS torus : 6.6 % • rectenna membrane : 14.8 % The value for the ISRS component has been demonstrated in past antenna reflectors packaging experiments; as for the plastic film. Echo and PAGEOS balloon satellites achieved values better than 30% (see. e.g., Bemasconi; Pagana and Reibaldi. 1987). However, a cautionary note must be sounded in that the folding pattern for the rectenna membrane still needs careful study, to ensure that no damage will be inflicted to any receiver element, and a proper pattern might render achievement of the needed packaging efficiency impossible. The mass of rectenna's expandable elements, pressurization system, and protective container has been roughly estimated at 25 - 27.5 kg. Since the mass limit was indicated to be 45 kg, it seems well possible to accommodate - on top of the above elements - the necessary control electronics, instrumentation and data relay hardware, while retaining some overall margin. It is also to accommodate these additional elements, that the volume used to assess the PIC rectenna size vs. packaging efficiency has been limited to the standard 0,45-m height: in other words, an enlarged volume on the ASAP (over the standard 0.5-m cube) is judged necessary to accommodate the 12.5-m rectenna. What is stopping us from going to larger sizes? (i.e.: “how does the design scale?”) Interestingly enough, several factors concur in making a, say. 20-m
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