Antennas for Modern Small Satellites

TLDR

Modern small satellites are revolutionizing the space industry by drastically reducing mission costs and making space access more affordable, analogous to compact laptops versus conventional workstations. This paper provides an overview of antenna technologies applicable to modern small satellites. The authors first introduce modern small satellites and their structures, then discuss technical challenges and antenna–satellite interactions, and finally describe specific antennas developed for these platforms. The paper concludes with future development directions and a summary of key insights.

Abstract

Modern small satellites (MSS) are revolutionizing the space industry. They can drastically reduce the mission cost, and can make access to space more affordable. The relationship between a modern small satellite and a ldquoconventionalrdquo large satellite is similar to that between a modern compact laptop and a ldquoconventionalrdquo work-station computer. This paper gives an overview of antenna technologies for applications in modern small satellites. First, an introduction to modern small satellites and their structures is presented. This is followed by a description of technical challenges in the antenna designs for modern small satellites, and the interactions between the antenna and modern small satellites. Specific antennas developed for modern small-satellite applications are then explained and discussed. The future development and a conclusion are presented.