Systems of large inflatable reflectors are being envisioned for a wide variety of applications such as power generation, space based telescopes and concentrators for thermal engines (Freeland et al., 1993). There is also a push for the development of inexpensive methods of propulsion for intra-solar system transport. One such design calls for using a large inflatable reflector as the collecting element for thermal energy powered spacecraft engines. This paper describes an experimental procedurethat was developed and used to obtain values for spot size and focal length of a 3.6 meter diameter inflatable reflector. The questions of spot size and expansion verses pressure were answered with these experiments. These are critical for future designparameters. The values for the spot size ranged from approximately 50 to 90 centimeters with a focal length of about 400 centimeters for the inflated optic. Both parameters were functions of inflation pressure.
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