Design of 4 × 4 Low-Profile Antenna Array for CubeSat Applications

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• CubeSats require compact, high-performance antennas for communication.
• Fifth-generation (5G) technology demands efficient antennas for high-bandwidth data transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a low-profile, high-gain microstrip antenna array for 5G CubeSat applications.
• To achieve efficient performance within size constraints.

Main Methods:

• A 4x4 array of miniaturized patch antennas was designed on a Rogers TMM10 substrate.
• Simulations were performed using CST Studio Suite, followed by fabrication and performance testing on a CubeSat structure.

Main Results:

• The antenna array operates effectively within the 3.46 GHz to 3.54 GHz frequency range.
• Achieved a measured gain of 8.03 dBi and a reflection coefficient of -17.4 dB at 3.5 GHz.
• The design measures only 10x10 cm.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microstrip antenna array is a suitable solution for 5G CubeSat applications.
• The design successfully balances high gain, low profile, and efficient performance.
• It presents a viable alternative for CubeSat integration due to its compact dimensions.