On inflatable antenna state of the art precision

We have carried out an analysis that quantified the manufacturing tolerances for a 25 m diameter inflatable antenna. Further analyses are needed in order to assess the effect of aperture diameter, number of gores, and random variables. An analysis where an inflatable antenna is fabricated with known manufacturing errors will enable us to determine the accuracy of the analytical tools. All these analyses are necessary in order to complete the sensitivity analyses and enable us to determine the surface accuracy limit of inflatable antennas and reflectors. After this quantification we can investigate the feasibility of further increasing the antenna performance such as with the use of an adaptive feed system.