Layout Design Method for Origami Reflectarrays Avoiding Creases for Small Satellites

The presence of creases in origami reflectarray antennas (ORAs) significantly impacts antenna layout, and the traditional method of removing intersecting elements affected by creases fails to achieve desirable electromagnetic performance. This letter proposes a layout design method for ORAs that avoids creases by configuring each panel layout individually. For intersecting elements, we adjust their positions to prevent intersecting with creases. Layout optimization models are established on each panel, using the displacement values of the intersecting elements as variables. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the sum of the squares of these displacement values. Constraints ensure that the repositioned elements do not intersect with creases or overlap with adjacent elements. Using a Flasher-configured ORA with triangular ring elements as an example, the proposed method improves electromagnetic performance compared to traditional methods. A 1.2 m × 1 m Flasher-configured ORA prototype was designed and fabricated. Measured results demonstrate that the radiation patterns closely match the design values, with a gain of 36.64 dB at 15 GHz and sidelobes below −20 dBi on the two principal planes.