Antenna System for 6U/12U CubeSats
Price on request
• Suitable for CubeSats from 6U and up
• Various RF antenna configurations for UHF/VHF communications
• Circular or linear polarization
• Automated sequential deployment
• Individual antenna element deployment
• Dual redundant deployment system
• Software safe/arm implementation
• Safety watchdog
• Multiple mounting positions
• Extensive telemetry availability: deployment feedback, antenna temperature, etc.
Description
The Antenna System for 6U/12U CubeSats design is based on the successful ISISPACE deployable antenna system for 1U up to 3U CubeSats. This system has been redesigned from a more modular approach, to fit into 6U/12U structures while, at the same time, providing the same capabilities. The antenna system allows the same options in antenna configuration such as 4x monopole, 2x dipole, 1x turnstile. Other configurations such as hybrids between dipole and monopole are also available that can cover from the VHF to UHF frequency ranges and they are deployed under user command.
Specifications
Mass: | 90-115g (depends on configuration) |
Envelope stowed (l x w x h): | 98×98 mm (height depends on configuration) |
Antenna length: | UHF: 17cm average |
VHF: 55cm average | |
Power consumption: | Nominal: < 30 mW |
During deployment: < 2.3W | |
Interfaces: | Electrical: Miniature 9 pin OMNETICS connector |
Data: I2C | |
RF input/output: MMCX female 50 ohm | |
Operational temperature range: | -20°C to +80°C |
Antenna main beam gain: | UHF: 0 dBi |
VHF: 0 dBi | |
Max RF Power: | 2W |
Bandwidth: | UHF: >50 Mhz (-10db bandwidth) |
VHF: >10 Mhz (-10db bandwidth) | |
Antenna element deployment duration: | <3s at 15°C |
Configuration
- RF Antenna configurations
- Single/multiple monopoles (UHF and/or VHF)
- Single/dual dipoles (UHF and/or VHF)
- Combination of monopole and dipole
- UHF or VHF turnstile
- Supply voltage 4V to 17V
- RF Harness length and connector type and orientation (MMCX, MCX, SMA)
- Customization and simulation on request
Qualification and Acceptance testing
Test | QT | AT |
Functional | ✓ | ✓ |
Vibration | ✓ | ‐ |
Mechanical Shock | ✓ | ‐ |
Thermal Cycling | ✓ | ✓ |
Thermal Vacuum | ✓ | ‐ |
*QT is performed on the design/qualification model
*AT is performed on the unit to be shipped
In the box:
- Hardware: antenna, RF harness, refurbishment kit for flight preparation
- Documentation: user manual, test and build reports
- Services: fine-tuning, functional and thermal testing