A proposed Array of Quadrifilar Helix Antenna for CubeSat applications

Abstract

Recently, small satellites such as Cube Satellites (CubeSats) have played an important role in modern communication and applications like imaging, remote sensing, education, wide-area measurements, deep-space research, and deep-space observations and communications. CubeSat antenna has primary functions in telemetry and command, communication, navigation, and inter-satellite links (ISL) operations. This paper investigates the radiation characteristics of proposed arrays of quadrifilar helix antenna as an application on a CubeSat in L-band. Firstly, the problem is formulated using the moment method for a four-element array on top of a CubeSat is considered. Then, the radiation patterns, array gain, and axial ratio are depicted. Finally, the characteristics of a cavity-backed four-element quadrifilar helical antenna on top of a CubeSat are investigated. Simulation results show that the antenna gain increases using the cavity while the axial ratio slightly decreases.