Research on Contour Measurement Method for Spacecraft with Ultra-Large Aperture Antenna Arrays

In the field of astronomical observation, space agencies worldwide are actively exploring innovative system concepts and technical solutions. Drawing on the successful cases and broad applications of ground-based systems such as the FAST radio telescope array and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), space-based arrays utilize multiple satellites in orbit for on-orbit assembly and collaborative operation, forming ultra-large distributed antenna arrays. However, such large-scale space structures face numerous challenges in the space environment. Structural deformations caused by various factors can affect the overall system performance and scientific output efficiency, making high-precision, all-weather, real-time surface measurement critically important. In order to ensure the precise configuration of ultra-large antenna array spacecraft during on-orbit construction and operation while meeting stringent scientific observation requirements, this paper proposes a high-precision surface measurement method for the construction process of ultra-large antenna array spacecraft. By integrating millimeter-wave radar ranging with high-resolution angular measurement camera positioning and pseudolite positioning techniques, this approach addresses high-precision surface measurement challenges across various stages of spacecraft assembly, thereby providing robust technical support for future deep space exploration.