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| Research progress on shape measurement and deformation reconstruction of large spaceborne antennas |
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Abstract The fields of wireless communication, remote sensing, and mapping demand high-gain and wide-band spaceborne antennas. This urgent demand drives the development of modern antennas towards significantly larger sizes and higher surface accuracy. However, large spaceborne antennas possess intrinsically complex structural designs and must operate reliably in extreme and harsh space environments. These combined factors impose strict requirements for maintaining their on-orbit surface accuracy over time. Active surface control technology is an essential approach to ensure the optimal on-orbit performance of these large spaceborne systems. To achieve effective closed-loop control, the precise and real-time measurement of antenna deformation serves as a fundamental prerequisite. This review first systematically analyzes the various sources of antenna surface errors and delineates the negative impacts of these structural deviations on the overall electrical performance of the antenna. Furthermore, recent research progress and developments in active surface control strategies are presented. Following this analysis, mature direct surface measurement techniques currently available, including photogrammetry and laser measurement methods, are summarized. Their current application status and limitations in various ground-based experiments are also comprehensively evaluated. Subsequently, a major focus is placed on strain-based deformation reconstruction methods. The fundamental mathematical principles and historical development pathways of several key analytical techniques are systematically reviewed, detailing the specific practical applications of these diverse reconstruction algorithms in current antenna surface monitoring systems. Finally, the critical technical challenges and bottlenecks facing deformation reconstruction methods are thoroughly analyzed, particularly regarding their implementation in the surface monitoring of future large-scale spaceborne antennas. Concurrently, a detailed outlook on future development trends and potential technological breakthroughs is provided. Ultimately, this review aims to offer a valuable and robust reference for future academic research and engineering efforts.
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Received: 19 January 2026
Published: 28 October 2026
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2026, Vol. 47 
