Multiple measurement techniques in a complex satellite antenna integration scenario

The integration of a large and deployable radar antenna of an earth observation satellite (Copernicus Sentinel-1A of ESA) is the opportunity to apply different measurement techniques at different stages, to ensure precise, unstressed fixation and proper alignment. This paper proposes an example of the synergic and successful exploitation of techniques like 3D Virtual, to simulate all integration phases and specially evaluate accessibility, DEA coordinate measuring machine, to establish structural parts accurate interface and finally laser tracker and theodolites tools during the integration process, to allow alignment of different antenna elements and the implementation of precise shimming at the satellite interfaces. In addition special mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) were manufactured and equipped with load cells and dial gauges, used during antenna integration and deployment, to monitor any flight hardware over-stress or set-up distortions.