Abstract: A concept of huge flexible Stewart platform is presented for the suspending cable structure of large spherical radio telescope’s feed system. The catenary equations of cables and the static equilibrium equations of feed cabin are derived. The problem of unique solution is discussed considering such factors as pseudo-drag, solution space, and working space. An optimization algorithm is proposed to distribute the load ideally among cables, thereby avoid pseudo-drag of cables. Feed cabin’s extreme working position, extreme working altitude, and extreme working angle are determined by nonlinear static equations.

Key words: Cable, Cable tension optimum, Flexible Stewart platform, Solution space Working space