Scientists at Tomsk State University will make satellite antennas lighter thanks to new designs

«The new designs differ from the classical schemes that are currently in use in that they are further optimised. It means that weight of structures is reduced and internal stresses of elements are eased, taking into account the harsh conditions of space: rapid changes of temperature from minus 200 to plus 200 degrees Celsius, deep vacuum, the effects of radiation, and so on. The solutions we propose are aimed at reducing deformations and preserving the geometry of the structures,» Sergey Ponomarev, the head of the Research Laboratory of Composite Materials Structures of the Research Institute of TSU, is quoted by the press service as saying. The scientist believes that the new approach allows to lower weight of the power elements, as well as to increase their rigidity and dimensional stability.