Popup Arrays for Large Space-Borne Apertures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a lightweight, flexible, and scalable 10GHz antenna array designed for space applications, capable of conforming to shapes, folding for stowage, and surviving space conditions, enabling large apertures for advanced RF technologies.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, space-qualifiable, foldable antenna array that combines electromagnetic performance with mechanical durability and scalable manufacturing for large space-based apertures.

Findings

Array withstands space-qualification tests

Achieves broad bandwidth with good return ratio

Maintains performance after folding and deployment

Abstract

Large apertures in space are critical for high-power and high-bandwidth applications spanning wireless power transfer (WPT) and communication, however progress on this front is stunted by the geometric limitations of rocket flight. Here, we present a light and flexible 10GHz array, which is composed of dipole antennas co-cured to a glass-fiber composite. The arrays are designed to dynamically conform to new shapes and to be flexible enough to fold completely flat, coil, and pop back up upon deployment. The design was chosen to be amenable to scalable, automated manufacturing - a requirement for the massive production necessary for large apertures. Moreover, the arrays passed the standard gamut of required space-qualification testing: the antennas can survive mechanical stress, extreme temperatures, high-frequency temperature cycling, and prolonged stowage in the flattened configuration. The elements exhibit excellent electromagnetic performance - with a return ratio better than -10dB over a bandwidth of 1.5GHz and a single lobe half-power beam width of greater than $110^\circ$ suitable for broad range beamforming and with excellent manufacturing consistency. Moreover, its mechanical durability vis-a-vis extreme temperatures and protracted stowage lends itself to demanding space applications. This lightweight and scalable array is equipped to serve a host of new space-based radio-frequency technologies and applications which leverage large, stowable and durable array apertures.