3U Antenna System
3U antenna system

CubeSat Antenna System for 1U/3U

Price on request

  • Suitable for 1U up to 3U CubeSats
  • Applications:
    • CubeSat TT&C
    • CubeSat RF Payloads
  • Linear or circular polarization
  • Deployment confirmation switch per antenna
  • Software safe/arm implementation
  • Dual redundant deployment system
  • Designed for combination with the ISIS TRXVU VHF/UHF Transceiver
  • Compatible with ISIS, Pumpkin, ClydeSpace and GomSpace products
  • Compliant to CubeSat standard
  • Design based on heritage from the Delfi-C3 satellite (2008)
  • Flight heritage since July 2010 on several missions

Option Sheet
Datasheet
STEP file

SKU: 100005 Category:
Flight Heritage since 2010

Description

The ISISPACE CubeSat Antenna System 1U/3U contains up to four tape spring antennas of up to 55 cm length. The deployment system relies on a thermal knife composed of one wire and two redundant heating elements per tape. RF phasing / BalUn circuitry ties the antennas together in the user-defined configuration.

Depending on the configuration, one or two radios in the CubeSat can connect to the antenna system by means of miniature RF connectors. The top face of the antenna system can accommodate a two solar cell solar panel and it can be customized for accommodating sensors or other systems to protrude to the exterior, e.g. camera apertures.

The antenna is compatible with any UHF and/or VHF radio system. It can be mounted on all ISIS CubeSat structures and Pumpkin rev C and rev D CubeSat structures. For custom made structures, which adhere to the CubeSat standard mechanical envelope, mounting should also be possible.

Specifications

Mass: < 100g
Envelope stowed (l x w x h): 98x98x7mm (supplied aluminium cover plate included)
Power consumption: Nominal: < 40 mW (3V3 model)
Nominal: < 60 mW (5V model)
During deployment: 2W
Interfaces: Electrical: Miniature 9 pin OMNETICS connector
Data: I2C
Other protocol on demand
Frequency Range: >10MHz useable bandwidth in frequency range specified
Antenna Return Loss at resonance frequency: > 10 db (VSWR < 2:1)
Operational temperature range: -20°C to +60°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 above 15°C operating temperature

 

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:

  • Antenna system
  • RF harness
  • Refurbishment kit for flight preparation
  • Documentation: user manual, test and build reports

FAQ:

For which frequency is the deployable antenna suitable?
The ISISPACE Antenna System frequency range is between 100MHz and 500MHz.

Can the antenna be mounted on the side face of the CubeSat?
It is not possible to mount the ISISPACE Antenna System on the side. The system can be mounted on the top, bottom, or in between stacks of the CubeSat.

View General FAQ »

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