Deployable S-Band helix antenna compatible with the CubeSat standard

Abstract

CubeSats are becoming fundamental aspects of communications across the world. Currently, limited antenna con gurations are utilised, mainly due to CubeSat size restrictions present on available CubeSat form factors. These limited antenna con- gurations often lead to the exclusion of the extra volume known as the "tuna-can", which forms part of the CubeSat costs. To combat this trend an S-band Quadri lar Helix Antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna is mechanically designed by exploring shape memory alloys and traditional spring approaches, to create an antenna deployment system, which is safe and reliable, while meeting CubeSat platform communication needs. The initial research showed that both the traditional spring and SMA approach provided reliable antenna deployment solutions, however, due to material availabil- ity and the lack of ability of the thinner SMA wire to retain its shape, the traditional spring approach was successfully developed. The developed spring QHA reliably deploys, however vibrational tests are recommended. The antenna successfully deploys and therefore o ers alternative means for com- munication on the CubeSat platform. This allows the available CubeSat platform volume and surface area to be utilised more e ciently, thus creating the opportunity for additional payloads or technology demonstration to commence.