Large Square-Loop Antenna Deployment from CubeSats
Session
Poster Session 2
Abstract
The small-scale nature of CubeSats presents a challenge for researchers looking to integrate large antennas that are suited for experiments using very low frequencies (VLF, 3-30 kHz). Loop antennas hold several advantages over monopole and dipole voltage probes because they are not subject to the same size restrictions. Monopoles and dipoles have to be larger to achieve the same gain and performance as loop antennas. Conversely, loop antennas hold a disadvantage in that they require stiffeners to maintain the loop structure which poses challenges in both stowage and deployment. To address these challenges, the University of Florida has been developing an innovative solution to store and deploy a 16 meter square-loop antenna that can be stored within a 1U volume. The design consists of four 2.8 meter long booms to support the antenna element and a novel deployment mechanism to entanglement. This paper describes the design and development process of a 16 meter square-loop antenna system.
Large Square-Loop Antenna Deployment from CubeSats
The small-scale nature of CubeSats presents a challenge for researchers looking to integrate large antennas that are suited for experiments using very low frequencies (VLF, 3-30 kHz). Loop antennas hold several advantages over monopole and dipole voltage probes because they are not subject to the same size restrictions. Monopoles and dipoles have to be larger to achieve the same gain and performance as loop antennas. Conversely, loop antennas hold a disadvantage in that they require stiffeners to maintain the loop structure which poses challenges in both stowage and deployment. To address these challenges, the University of Florida has been developing an innovative solution to store and deploy a 16 meter square-loop antenna that can be stored within a 1U volume. The design consists of four 2.8 meter long booms to support the antenna element and a novel deployment mechanism to entanglement. This paper describes the design and development process of a 16 meter square-loop antenna system.
