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A framework for a deployable antenna is disclosed herein. The framework basically includes a plurality of elongate ribs, a matching plurality of foldable resilient members, and a hub. Each of the elongate ribs has both a proximal end and a distal end. The foldable resilient members serve to interco

A framework for a deployable antenna is disclosed herein. The framework basically includes a plurality of elongate ribs, a matching plurality of foldable resilient members, and a hub. Each of the elongate ribs has both a proximal end and a distal end. The foldable resilient members serve to interconnect the proximal ends of the elongate ribs to the hub. Within such a configuration, each of the foldable resilient members is capable of storing strain energy whenever forcibly folded and also releasing the strain energy whenever subsequently permitted to elastically unfold. Thus, whenever the elongate ribs are released from a stowed position in which the foldable resilient members are forcibly folded, the strain energy causes automatic deployment of the antenna as the foldable resilient members are permitted to elastically unfold. In sum, therefore, the framework obviates many conventional uses of electro-mechanical motors or actuators in deploying various antennas.

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What is claimed is: 1. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; where

What is claimed is: 1. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein at least one of said hub, said elongate ribs, and said foldable resilient members comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes at least one type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin. 2. A framework according to claim 1, wherein said deployable antenna is a mesh reflector type antenna. 3. A framework according to claim 1, wherein said hub comprises metal. 4. A framework according to claim 1, wherein said hub is structurally adapted for being mounted on at least one space travel vehicle selected from the group consisting of an orbiter, a satellite, a spacecraft, a space probe, a spaceship, a space shuttle, and a space station. 5. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein said hub comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes a type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin. 6. A framework according to claim 5, wherein said hub is structurally adapted for being mounted on a space travel vehicle selected from the group consisting of an orbiter, a satellite, a spacecraft, a space probe, a spaceship, a space shuttle, and a space station. 7. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality elongate ribs each having proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein each of said elongate ribs comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes a type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin. 8. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality of elogate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein each of said foldable resilient members comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes a type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin. 9. A framework according to claim 8, wherein each of said foldable resilient members has a shape substantially resembling a hollow tube segment. 10. A framework according to claim 9, wherein said hollow tube segment has a cylindrical wall including at least one elongated slot defined therethrough. 11. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising; a hub; a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub, wherein each of said foldable resilient members is capable of storing strain energy whenever forcibly folded and also releasing said strain energy whenever subsequently permitted to elastically unfold; a matching plurality of elongate outriggers each having a tension-bearing end, a load-bearing end, and a middle section interconnecting said load-bearing end to said tension-bearing end, wherein the middle sections of said elongate outriggers are pivotally mounted on the distal ends of said elongate ribs; and a removable restraint for collectively holding said elongate ribs in a captured position wherein said foldable resilient members are forcibly folded such that said distal ends of said elongate ribs are thereby proximately situated together; wherein said strain energy drives automatic deployment of said deployable antenna, whenever said removable restraint is removed from said elongate ribs, by forcibly unfolding said foldable resilient members in an elastic manner such that said elongate ribs are thereby splayed apart in a released position. 12. A framework according to claim 11, wherein each of said elongate outriggers comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix. 13. A framework according to claim 12, wherein said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite, and said resin matrix includes a type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin. 14. A framework according to claim 11, said framework further comprising a matching plurality of tensioning cables attached to the tension-bearing ends of said elongate outriggers. 15. A framework according to claim 14, said framework further comprising radial catenary cables, substantially circumferential catenary cables, tie-down cables, and a net; wherein said radial catenary cables, said substantially circumferential catenary cables, and said tie-down cables cooperatively suspend said net between the load-bearing ends of said elongate outriggers whenever said elongate ribs are in said released position and said tensioning cables are sufficiently tensioned. 16. A framework for a deoloyable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality at elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein said deployable antenna includes a mesh attachable to a net and comprising a flexible material suited for reflecting electromagnetic waves within the radio frequency spectrum; and said flexible material comprises woven, gold-plated molybdenum wire. 17. A framework for a deployable antenna, said framework comprising: a hub; a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein each of said foldable resilient members comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes a type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin; and wherein each of said foldable resilient members is capable of storing strain energy whenever forcibly folded and also releasing said strain energy whenever subsequently permitted to elastically unfold. 18. A deployable antenna comprising: a framework including a hub, a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end and a matching plurarity of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; and a mesh suspended from the distal ends of said elongate ribs; wherein said mesh comprises a flexible material suited for reflecting electromagnetic waves within the radio frequency spectrum; and said flexible material comprises woven, gold-plated molybdenum wire. 19. A satellite comprising: a body; and a deployable antenna mounted on said body and including a framework and a mesh; wherein said framework includes a hub, a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end, and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members interconnecting the proximal ends of said elongate ribs to said hub; wherein said mesh is suspended from the distal ends of said elongate ribs; said mesh comprises a flexibie material suited for reflecting electromagnetic waves within the radio frequency spectrum; and said flexible material comprises woven, gold-plated molybdenum wire. 20. A method for stowing and deploying a rib-supported mesh reflector antenna, said method comprising the steps of: obtaining a hub, a plurality of elongate ribs each having a proximal end and a distal end, and a matching plurality of foldable resilient members; wherein at least one of said hub, said elongate ribs, and said foldable resilient members comprises non-metallic fibers embedded within a resin matrix; said non-metallic fibers comprise carbon in its allotropic form of graphite; and said resin matrix includes at least one type of resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a cyanate esther resin, and a thermoplastic resin; interconnecting the proximal ends of said plurality of elongate ribs to said hub with said matching plurality of foldable resilient members; suspending a commonly held reflective mesh from the distal ends of said elongate ribs; applying a removable restraint to said elongate ribs to thereby hold and stow said elongate ribs in a captured position wherein said foldable resilient members are forcibly folded such that said distal ends of said elongate ribs are proximately situated together; and removing said restraint from said elongate ribs so that strain energy, stored within said foldable resilient members when forcibly folded, forcibly unfolds said foldable resilient members in an elastic manner such that said elongate ribs are thereby splayed apart in a released position and said reflective mesh is automatically deployed.