Session
Session VIII: 17th Annual Frank J. Redd Student Scholarship Competition
Abstract
The current deployed wire type antenna for small satellites suffers from both limitation of mounting location and frequent failure in deployed mechanism. Slot antennas, on the other hand, can be easily integrated with solar panels and offer better flexibility in design. This paper presents an alternative antenna design for small satellites, and the design is based on the cavity backed slot antennas. The design method, choice of antenna feed geometry, circular polarization, and array configuration are discussed in detail. Feasibility of integrating the slot antennas with solar panel is presented and it is found that it is not only possible to integrate slot antennas with solar panel, but also to optimize the antennas to achieve the most effective antenna pattern, steering angle of the main beam, and maximum antenna gain. Two prototype antennas were designed, fabricated and measured, and the good agreements between the measurements and design data confirm that proposed antenna is a novel solution for small satellite communication systems, and promote the novel multi-functional solar panel design.
Presentation Slides
Integrated Solar Panel Antennas for Small Satellites
The current deployed wire type antenna for small satellites suffers from both limitation of mounting location and frequent failure in deployed mechanism. Slot antennas, on the other hand, can be easily integrated with solar panels and offer better flexibility in design. This paper presents an alternative antenna design for small satellites, and the design is based on the cavity backed slot antennas. The design method, choice of antenna feed geometry, circular polarization, and array configuration are discussed in detail. Feasibility of integrating the slot antennas with solar panel is presented and it is found that it is not only possible to integrate slot antennas with solar panel, but also to optimize the antennas to achieve the most effective antenna pattern, steering angle of the main beam, and maximum antenna gain. Two prototype antennas were designed, fabricated and measured, and the good agreements between the measurements and design data confirm that proposed antenna is a novel solution for small satellite communication systems, and promote the novel multi-functional solar panel design.
