Self-Steering Antenna Arrays for Distributed Picosatellite Networks

The potential for using self-steering arrays for secure crosslinks in picosatellite networks is investigated. The principle of operation and methods of characterization of these so-called retrodirective arrays is reviewed, and examples developed by our group are presented. New challenges for the space environment are identified, specifically the development of two-dimensional, circularly polarized retrodirective arrays optimized for size and power consumption

Active Antennas for Cubesat Applications

An active antenna known as a grid oscillator is presented for use onboard the University of Hawaii’s CubeSat. It operates at high frequencies that will be able to facilitate future, more data-intensive missions. The device uses an efficient power-combining scheme packaged in a compact, low-profile structure that can be mounted on the side of a cube. The active antenna consists of an array of transistors directly embedded into a planar radiating structure. An infinitearray approximation is used to simulate the grid design in CAD programs. Various mounting schematics are presented for the grid oscillator that is currently being fabricated with a desired oscillation frequency of 5.85 GHz