Low-Profile Lightweight X-Band PDHT Antenna for Earth Observation Satellite Constellations

This paper presents the design, manufacturing and experimental characterization of a X-band Antenna (XBA) dedicated to Payload Data Transmission (PDT) for new Satellite platforms that will form constellations for Earth observation applications. The antenna is characterized by a reduced profile and minimized mass in order to fulfil stringent accommodation constraints, typical of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) medium-small platforms. The design is based on a planar array of patch antennas implemented on a sandwich made of composite materials integrating also the antenna Beam Forming Network (BFN).