Ground Radiation Pattern Generated by High-Altitude Reflectors

A method is given to calculate the shape a high-altitude reflector must have to produce any intensity distribution inside the illuminated ground area. The method consists of setting up and solving a differential equation appropriate to the required ground intensity distribution. Cylindrical and spherical mirrors are discussed in detail, and mirror shapes for producing a particular type of uniform ground illumination are derived. These shapes approach paraboloids in the limit when the mirror altitude is much greater than the diameter of the illuminated area.     

Rotation and Shape of High Altitude Reflectors Controlled from the Ground

Passive, inverted-dish shaped communications mirrors made of a thin wire mesh may be maintained in a stationary position above most of the atmosphere by the pressure of reflected radiation beamed at the mirror from the ground. We show that by beaming at the mirror an appropriate mixture of linearly and circularly polarized radiation, and by inducing small periodic variations of the plane of polarization, one can monitor and sufficiently control wire orientation in the mirror, which allows one to reduce mirror weight and/or set the mirror in rotation. Mirror rotation in turn can modify mirror shape, open up flaps, and allow synchronized messages to be sent to prechosen locations.     

Radiation-Supported Space Mirror: Overview of Concept

A high-altitude communications reflector can be supported by radiation pressure beamed at it from below. Potential applications of such a communications device are reviewed. The supporting radiation can balance the weight of the mirror as well as inertial effects, including mirror drift toward the equator. Approximately polarized supporting radiation can rotate the mirror. The reflected signal may serve to monitor mirror orientation. Questions of stability are investigated when the mirror is made of fibers that can support only tension (not compression, shear, or bending.) If the supporting radiation beam is appropriately configured, the mirror can be stabilized with respect to vertical and horizontal displacements, libration, and distortion.