The advanced structural design concept is based on a deployable space structure such that the payload for any one Earth launch extends to a large-area structural section of the reflector after delivery to GEO. The assembly process includes two main parts: deployment of the sections and assembly of the sections into the complete reflector. Only a few of these large sections must be assembled to complete the reflector. Therefore, an approach was chosen where each payload is independently deployed and then maneuvered under its own power to the vicinity of the reflector where manipulator arms similar to the ones used on the space shuttles complete the berthing process. The Space Station program is expected to provide the needed experience base for manipulator berthing of such masses.
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