Mesh antenna structural design for small satellites

• Main Author: Ασκορδαλάκης, Μενέλαος
• Other Authors: Askordalakis, Menelaos
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Deployable antennas; Ring truss; Cable network; Satellite antennas; Κεραίες δορυφόρων; Πτυσσόμενες κεραίες; Δορυφόροι

Over the last years, advancements in space exploration require satellite antennas with greater diameters than before. Considering the limitations from rocket launch to satellite orbit, the stowed size of the antenna must be compact enough to fit the limited space. To overcome these challenges, the deployable antenna concept is used. Among different antenna designs, mesh reflectors have lately been gaining more attention and new designs or improvements of current ones are being studied. Even though mesh reflectors are great for larger diameters and apertures, little research has been conducted for smaller diameters. This thesis briefly presents the basic working principle of antennas along with parameters that will be used during the following research. Common satellite antennas are introduced, the need of deployable structures is presented, and the deployable mesh antenna is described. After the initial classification of deployable mesh antennas, the survey focuses on the peripheral ring truss concept which is analyzed in greater detail. Based on the survey conducted, a 1.6m ring truss is studied. Beginning with the preliminary design, geometric features and cable network are generated while the final geometry is calculated through FEA. A CAD model of the ring truss is designed in detail and it is evaluated through kinematic analysis. Finally, the designed ring truss is compared to similar antennas and its compatibility with the CubeSat project is verified.