Session
Weekday Session 7: Communications
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
This article presents a design, development, and testing process of a deployable right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) helical antenna for a small satellite in the UHF band. In the stowed configuration the antenna is 5cm and deploys to an operational length of 74cm. Deployment of the antenna is controlled by a DC motor and once released, extends to its full shape under spring power, a 3-turn jack-in-the-box design. The antenna is tuned and matched to correct frequency bandwidth and features an optical deployment confirmation circuit. The antenna produces an axial mode, with an average beamwidth of 60° and this is achieved by winding the helix to the right pitch and spacing. At range testing the antenna achieved an average gain of 7dBi through the frequency and an axial ratio of less than 3dB.
Design and Build Process of a Small Satellite Deployable UHF Antenna
Utah State University, Logan, UT
This article presents a design, development, and testing process of a deployable right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) helical antenna for a small satellite in the UHF band. In the stowed configuration the antenna is 5cm and deploys to an operational length of 74cm. Deployment of the antenna is controlled by a DC motor and once released, extends to its full shape under spring power, a 3-turn jack-in-the-box design. The antenna is tuned and matched to correct frequency bandwidth and features an optical deployment confirmation circuit. The antenna produces an axial mode, with an average beamwidth of 60° and this is achieved by winding the helix to the right pitch and spacing. At range testing the antenna achieved an average gain of 7dBi through the frequency and an axial ratio of less than 3dB.
