Metamaterial Based Ku-Band Antenna for Low Earth Orbit Nanosatellite Payload System

The concept of nanosatellite technology becomes a viable platform for earth and space observation research to minimize cost and build time for the payload. The communication approach is the essential fundamental attribute of a satellite, of which the antenna is a crucial component for forming a communication link between the nanosatellite and the earth. The nanosatellite antenna must comply with some special requirements like compact size, lightweight, and high gain with a space-compatible structure. This paper proposes a compact metamaterial-based Ku-band antenna with circular polarization for the nanosatellite communication system. The designed antenna obtained an impedance bandwidth of 2.275 GHz with a realized gain of 6.74 dBi and 3 dB axial beamwidth of 165 degrees at 12.10 GHz. The overall antenna size of the designed is 0.51 lambda x 0.51 lambda x 0.17 lambda, which is fabricated on Rogers 5880 substrate material. The antenna results performance has been examined with a 1 U nanosatellite structure and found suitable to integrate with metallic and nonmetallic surfaces of any miniature nanosatellite structure.

Automated summary

The concept of nanosatellite technology is important for reducing cost and build time in earth and space observation research. The communication aspect of a satellite is crucial, and the antenna plays a key role in establishing a communication link between the nanosatellite and the earth. This paper proposes a compact metamaterial-based Ku-band antenna with circular polarization for nanosatellite communication, which has been tested and found suitable for integration with metallic and nonmetallic surfaces of miniature nanosatellites.