Membrane Reflectarray for MicroSAT Applications
conference paper
In this study, the feasibility of a concept for deployable antenna, based on a membrane reflectarray antenna, has been assessed as fundamental enabling technology for swarm SAR applications, where light-weight high gain antennas are required. Indeed, the reflector antenna consists of two thin film metalized flexible layers separated by air. One layer acts as ground plane, the second one hosts the reflective elements. The design of the reflective aperture is achieved through a GO-PO (Geometrical and Physical Optics) approach. The two layers are kept at a fixed distance over the whole area by a dielectric
frame, having the task also to maintain the membranes in tension tension, avoiding wrinkling and sagging. The end result comprises a large antenna panel of very light weight. An offset reflectarray in C-band has been designed and manufactured. An efficiency of 73-75% over a 10% bandwidth has been derived by the measurements.
frame, having the task also to maintain the membranes in tension tension, avoiding wrinkling and sagging. The end result comprises a large antenna panel of very light weight. An offset reflectarray in C-band has been designed and manufactured. An efficiency of 73-75% over a 10% bandwidth has been derived by the measurements.
TNO Identifier
1008470
Source title
ESA Workshop 2024
Files
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