Integration of a compact multiband antenna with CubeSat systems for efficient remote sensing and space applications

Abstract This study investigates a compact multiband antenna integrated with a CubeSat optical system for remote sensing tasks. The proposed antenna is designed and analyzed using the CST Microwave Studio simulation environment. The results on the antenna performance are found to be quite good. Furthermore, the contribution of the FSS structure is investigated and analyzed by mounting it on a 1U CubeSat chassis made of PEEK material. A distinctive feature of the antenna is its compact design, ease of fabrication, and low cost, which are made possible by the advantages of TPU filaments that can be produced using a 3D printer. The antenna can be mounted on the tip of the nanosatellite together with the camera, providing space for solar panels or other equipment without using additional space in the side areas. Given the limited dimensions of CubeSats, our antenna makes efficient use of the surface. The antenna operates in the S, C, X, Ku, K, and Ka bands and achieves gains of 6.31, 4.08, 9.97, 7.06, 7.12, and 8.22 dBi, respectively; the reflection coefficient is much lower than −10 dB, and the VSWR value is below 1.5. In summary, the microstrip patch antenna system proposed in this work can be used in similar CubeSat remote sensing applications, offering excellent performance, reliability, simplicity, and compact dimensions in the fabrication and deployment system. In the future, we plan to perform fabrication and space environment testing of the proposed antenna, such as vibration, thermal vacuum cycling, and thermal shock.