Development of a surface panel measurement system

Abstract

Reflector measurement systems are studied in support of the reshaping of the 34 meter antenna at Goldstone. The requirements for measurement systems are presented. A survey is made of the surface errors of existing antennas. Reflector measurement systems are divided into three categories and representative examples of each category are illustrated and discussed. Parametric error analyses are made of selected optical systems. The existing measurement method using a theodolite at the vertex is retained. A method using a theodolite on the RF cone is a possible variant.