Signal-tracking satellite would build its own antenna in space

A British engineering firm plans to make satellites that can manufacture their own gigantic antennas in space. They would then be able to monitor radio signals from Earth. The idea, from Magna Parva in Leicester, is to launch satellites with a supply of raw materials that they can combine to produce long, thin structures such as booms or antennas. These components are difficult to deliver into space because they take up a lot of room and can be easily damaged. Being able to make them in space from raw materials would allow satellites to carry larger antennas. More

(Source: New Scientist - Mar 8)