Deployable Polarization-Converting Antenna Array for CubeSats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small satellites, such as CubeSats, face design challenges due to space constrictions, requiring antennas that are both low in mass and volume while meeting increased functional requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of an antenna system comprising an antenna array and a feed structure, where the antenna array is configured to have a stowed state for launch and a deployed state in orbit, with a polarization conversion surface to convert linearly polarized incident fields to circularly polarized fields, and the feed structure is designed to provide a linearly polarized incident field in the deployed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna array is made larger to meet functional requirements, then the antenna performance is improved, but the volume and mass of the satellite increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple panels that can be folded or rolled into a compact configuration during launch, then deployed to form a large aperture in orbit. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve large functional size while maintaining small launch volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array employs deployable mechanisms (folding panels or rolling structures) that transition from a compact stowed state during launch to a large deployed state in orbit. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between large antenna size and small satellite volume.
2Reliability
If the antenna array is made larger to meet functional requirements, then the antenna performance is improved, but the mass of the satellite increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna panels utilize thin, lightweight structures with flexible support layers that provide the necessary mechanical strength while minimizing mass. This allows the antenna array to achieve large aperture area without proportionally increasing satellite mass.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna array is stowed during launch to reduce volume, then the satellite launch complexity is reduced, but the antenna deployment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be folded along predefined hinge lines. This segmentation simplifies the deployment mechanism compared to a monolithic structure, as each panel can be independently folded along simple hinge axes during launch and then deployed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This antenna system effectively addresses the space constraints of small satellites by providing a compact, efficient, and robust antenna solution that can be deployed post-launch, ensuring optimal performance for various satellite applications.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of array elements forms a polarization conversion surface configured for converting the linearly polarized incident field to a reflected/transmitted circular polarized field
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system for satellite applications is provide, the antenna system comprising an antenna array and a feed structure, and the antenna array is a passive antenna array configured to have a first state and a second state, the second state being a first deployed state. The feed structure is configured to provide a linearly polarized incident field for the antenna array in the first deployed state. The antenna array comprises a plurality of array elements, and the plurality of array elements forms a polarization conversion surface configured for converting the linearly polarized incident field to a reflected/transmitted circular polarized field. The antenna array is configured so that the radiation pattern of the reflected/transmitted circular polarized field corresponds to a predetermined radiation pattern and an array element geometry and an array element position of each of the plurality array elements are configured to provide the predetermined radiation pattern.