Circularly Polarized Conical Array for ADS-B Applications in LEO Satellites

This paper presents the design of a dual-layer conical antenna array tailored for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) applications intended for integration into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The proposed antenna system comprises two vertically stacked layers, each comprising six magneto-electric dipole antennas arranged in a circular configuration. Each antenna element covers a sector of ±30° in azimuth, providing comprehensive coverage for real-time aircraft tracking over wide geographical regions. The antennas in the upper layer are positioned slightly farther apart due to the conical geometry, optimizing the radiation pattern and minimizing mutual coupling between layers. The array operates within the L-band spectrum (960–1164 MHz), making it suitable for ADS-B communication in remote areas with limited ground station coverage, such as oceans and deserts.