Abstract
In this paper, a novel deployable flat panel reflectarray antenna (RA) is designed on an origami folding pattern for Small Satellite applications. The RA aperture deploys into a hexagonal geometry that achieves an aperture efficiency of a least 60%, 10-20% higher than current rectangular apertures. The modified hexagonal twist folding structure can achieve high volume packing efficiency, which is 75%, and simple deployment with one degree of freedom. The mechanical and electromagnetic design considerations for two variations of our proposed structure, flat and offset panels, are presented. The aperture surface area of both structures is 58λ2. Both structures are designed to operate at 16 GHz and exhibit a realized gain that is greater than 26.4 dBi. Prototypes are fabricated for the two structures and measured. Measurements show good correlation with the simulations.
Highlights
A Foldable Reflectarray on a Hexagonal Twist Origami StructureA novel deployable flat panel reflectarray antenna (RA) is designed on an origami folding pattern for Small Satellite applications
R ECENT developments in small satellite (SmallSat) technology have enabled more efficient and robust space missions
Effect of Offset Thickness To study the effect of placing unit-cells on separate planes, as it is done in the offset panel thickness accommodation
Summary
A novel deployable flat panel reflectarray antenna (RA) is designed on an origami folding pattern for Small Satellite applications. The RA aperture deploys into a hexagonal geometry that achieves an aperture efficiency of a least 60%, 10-20% higher than current rectangular apertures. The modified hexagonal twist folding structure can achieve high volume packing efficiency, which is 75%, and simple deployment with one degree of freedom. The mechanical and electromagnetic design considerations for two variations of our proposed structure, flat and offset panels, are presented. The aperture surface area of both structures is 58 2. Both structures are designed to operate at 16 GHz and exhibit a realized gain that is greater than 26.4 dBi. Prototypes are fabricated for the two structures and measured.
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