Abstract

The paper presents a compact patch antenna system designed using 3D printable materials and compatible with any CubeSat satellite structure. Small satellites are transforming the space industry, allowing space access with an important cost reduction for satellite industries and a shorter plan development time compared to bulky satellites. Moreover, using additive manufacturing, it is possible to design specific system components, also with a complex geometry of the inner part, without material wasting. Furthermore, a key point of 3D printing is to allow to go from design to construction straight, having an enormous effect on the supply chain. Generally, CubeSats count on Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency communication systems for low bit-rate uplink and downlink. Instead, S-band is among the favourite choices for high bit rates since the frequency range 2.40–2.45 GHz is one of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) amateur satellite frequency range. An S-band printed antenna system is designed in the present paper, considering the limitations on size and the weight of CubeSat standard. The antenna system is simulated with an electromagnetic CAD, using the polylactic acid as substrate, or polylactide, a thermoplastic polyester widely used in 3D printing.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.