Session
Pre-Conference Posters Session I
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The increasing commercialization of small-space requires versatile subsystems that make efficient use of limited spacecraft volumes. Smart structure technology that provides both mechanical and electrical functionality is a beneficial solution to spacecraft miniaturization. Embedding avionics within satellite structural components reduces the overhead required for integrating numerous systems and maximizes space for the payload and other critical instruments. Combining different subsystems that are usually developed independently of each other is an innovative approach to space system design. This paper evaluates the feasibility of an embedded microstrip patch antenna within a structural panel comprised of a sandwich structure of carbon fiber composites and a polyethylene fiber composite. Patch antennas provide a low profile, light weight, small-dimension and easily-manufactured solution to small satellite communication. The embedded antenna panels are designed to be adaptable for any function and size required by the end user. This paper presents three distinct applications for this embedded antenna technology: (1) An S-band antenna for space-to-earth telemetry transmission for a radar mapping spacecraft; (2) An S-band antenna for space-to-ground communications for CubeSats; and (3) A Ka-band antenna for space-to-space communications between nanosatellites in a low-Earth orbit backhaul constellation. For each case, we present technical performance evaluation (including electromagnetic simulation using ANSYS HFSS) and a study of the systems integration feasibility.
2-in-1 Smart Panels: Embedding Microstrip Patch Antennas within Satellite Structures
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The increasing commercialization of small-space requires versatile subsystems that make efficient use of limited spacecraft volumes. Smart structure technology that provides both mechanical and electrical functionality is a beneficial solution to spacecraft miniaturization. Embedding avionics within satellite structural components reduces the overhead required for integrating numerous systems and maximizes space for the payload and other critical instruments. Combining different subsystems that are usually developed independently of each other is an innovative approach to space system design. This paper evaluates the feasibility of an embedded microstrip patch antenna within a structural panel comprised of a sandwich structure of carbon fiber composites and a polyethylene fiber composite. Patch antennas provide a low profile, light weight, small-dimension and easily-manufactured solution to small satellite communication. The embedded antenna panels are designed to be adaptable for any function and size required by the end user. This paper presents three distinct applications for this embedded antenna technology: (1) An S-band antenna for space-to-earth telemetry transmission for a radar mapping spacecraft; (2) An S-band antenna for space-to-ground communications for CubeSats; and (3) A Ka-band antenna for space-to-space communications between nanosatellites in a low-Earth orbit backhaul constellation. For each case, we present technical performance evaluation (including electromagnetic simulation using ANSYS HFSS) and a study of the systems integration feasibility.
