Concurrent Engineering in Aerospace Industry: How To Achieve Radiofrequency Geometric Specifications in Satellite Antennae

Abstract

One of the problems that a satellite manufacturing involves is to obtain the geometrical forms and the accurate positions for the different radiofrequency components (reflectors, subreflectors and feeders). CFRP (Carbon Fibber Reinforced Plastics) sandwich structures never are obtained as designed due to the deformations associated to the manufacturing process. So, reflectors, subreflectors and structural components (towers, panels... ) have to be measured in order to include their deviations in the design of the regulation parts. High performance equipment (Co-ordinate Measurement Machines, CAD/CAM Systems and 5 Axis Machine Tool) is used, but it is also necessary to make an integrated and multidisciplinary team. This paper describes how this process was implemented in CASA Space Division during HISPASAT 1C satellite manufacturing program.