the external rigidizing annulus or torus 13 are foldable to a compact package as depicted in fig2 and 3 and thus can be placed in a space saving configuration within the payload compartment of a carrier rocket or 34 space shuttle 34 in its packaged configuration the antenna shroud comprising the antenna reflector 2 the antenna radome 3 and the external or peripheral rigidizing annulus or torus 13 is folded tightly around the antenna tower or feed mast 4 in a configuration of several fold layers of pleats or pleated folds 13 39 17 and 18 of various lengths the longer pleats 17 of the antenna reflector 2 extend over nearly the total length of the tower section from the interface socket component or member 5 to the feed head 8 the pleats 18 comprising part of the antenna radome 3 are shorter and are placed within the upper area while the pleats 13 39 of the rigidizing peripheral annulus or torus 13 are placed adjoining the lower portion of the tower section fig3 shows a ribbon or strap 19 which is wound helically around the fold layer of pleats or pleated folds 13 39 17 and 18 thus holding them together in the form of a shroud package 20 the disengagement of the ribbon or strap 19 for unfolding or deploying the antenna 1 upon.