CSA-EU · Highly Disruptive and Compact Antenna Systems for Small Satellites with Application to Surveillance, Environmental and Crop-Growth Analysis, Enabling European Union Dominance in the Space Industry
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2017-01-01 → 2020-02-28
- EU contribution
- €195,455
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Highly Disruptive and Compact Antenna Systems for Small Satellites with Application to Surveillance, Environmental and Crop-Growth Analysis, Enabling European Union Dominance in the Space Industry
The main technical scope of CSA-EU was to develop innovative antenna designs and solutions which can contribute to the advancement of the state-of-the-art for microsatellite antennas or Cubesats. For example, deployable antennas have classically been implemented in the design of microsatellites which are typically wrapped around the satellite prior to launch and held in place with mechanical/electrical systems and then released and positioned away from the satellite structure post launch. These systems can increase satellite cost, development time, and can be prone to failure and normally redundancy or backup systems are incorporated into the space craft bus. The completed CSA-EU research advanced these types of deployable microsatellite antennas into a more planar, simple, and low-cost PCB form. This came about by continued collaborations between PocketQube Shop (Alba Orbital) in Glasgow, Scotland, throughout the project by the individual fellow. As a result of these interactions, for example, increased communications and observations of airplanes by a constellation of Cubesats by Alab Orbital was put into practice. These interactions also allowed for the host institution; i.e. HWU to work with Alab Orbital which allowed for new antennas to be placed on solar panels for space-ready demonstration. This can increase the efficiency of the solar panel bus in that they represent a dual-function (antenna for communications and solar power energy harvesting) to improve the durability of the satellite and its lifespan. The work also allowed for the design of new millimeter-wave antenna system which used guided-wave concepts for beam steering and has applications to communications between satellites. These activities are important in that improved data links can be achieved between satellites to improve earth observation and communications and improve the accuracy and knowledge location of airplanes when traveling across the Atlantic ocean for example.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Compact satellites are transforming space-based surveillance systems. Typical configurations include a network of small satellites that can offer increased coverage and enhanced data collection rates when compared to conventional large scale systems. Microsatellites can also drastically reduce launching costs and mission development time, thus making remote sensing technologies more cost effective. Applications include vehicle tracking, weather monitoring, maritime surveillance, crop growth analysis, and climate change observation. However, with satellite miniaturization, new design aspects arise. All satellite components have to be cleverly packaged within a small payload and materials must accommodate the harsh operating environments of space. The objective of the proposed research program is to research, design and test some new and compact antennas with integrated feed systems for such microsatellites. High levels of technical engagement are expected with satellite companies within the European Union such as the European Space Agency, Clyde Space, and PocketQube Shop. The intent of the proposed research project is to also benefit from ongoing research within the Microwave and Antenna Research Group at Heriot-Watt University. This group has a track record of developing new and innovative antenna designs, feeding systems, and filters for space technologies while also working alongside industry experts, technologists, and government scientists. Previous and current industrial partners include Airbus Defence and Space, Bell Labs Alcatel-Lucent, BSC Filters, COM DEV, Samsung, Huawei Technologies, Selex, and Thales Alenia Space. Some recent projects include planar antennas for onboard satellite antenna technologies and power amplifier design as well as compact antennas for microsatellites. Some of these activities have won awards from the European Space Agency and The European Conference on Antennas and Propagation.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY · EdinburghCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union