Heidi Nicolette Poturalski

US Patent:

6394395, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Jul 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/609987

Inventors:

Heidi N. Poturalski - Highlands Ranch CO
Jose L. Valenzuela - Highlands Ranch CO

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

B64G 142

US Classification:

244173

Abstract:

The invention is a combination solar panel and planar array antenna for a satellite. In detail, the invention includes a generally flat solar panel having external and internal surfaces, the external surface having solar energy collecting devices thereon. A generally flat planar antenna having external and internal surfaces is coupled to the flat solar panel, with the external surface for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic energy. The planar array is coupled to the solar panel such that the interior surfaces of the solar array and the planar antenna face each other. The interior surfaces of the solar array and the planar antenna are high emissive thermal surfaces. The external surface of the planar array is a low absorptivity and high emissivity surface.