A Transparent Dual-Band Cubesat Antenna Array Based on Stacked Patches

Abstract: This work has the scope of developing a transparentantenna for CubeSats. A CubeSat is a type of miniature satellitethat is popular due to cheaper launches and standardized dimensions.Small satellites have a limited surface area which usuallyis covered by solar panels. By making the antenna transparent,it can be mounted on top of the solar panels. To make theantenna more versatile, it is dual band. Circular polarizationis achieved using a wide band coupler and the patch antennasare integrated into an array. The antenna has been simulated inCST Microwave Studio (MWS) and then constructed by hand.Measurements have been carried out at the anechoic chamberat KTH. It is also shown that solar power generation is possiblewith the antenna mounted on a solar panel.