Inflatable Antennas for CubeSats Communication and Science in Deep Space, Year 2

The work will be organized as a collaboration between JPL and two external partners: Arizona State University and Meteorological Product Inc. (Mylar manufacturer). Objectives: EM Analysis and feed antenna re-design (JPL): Design of an array feed to compensate for surface curvature, fabrication and test together with the inflatable membrane in the anechoic chamber. Pressure control for the MESA test (JPL): Use of a pressure control system to ensure correct inflation and maintenance of the desired shape during the MESA test. Mechanical Analysis (JPL): Development of a canister and of a mechanism for storage and deployment. Inflation system reliability (ASU): Development of a mechanism to control the release of the powder at the beginning of the inflation, and development of a UV curing rigidization system with experimental tests. Antenna prototyping (MPI): Prototype fabrication. Control analysis (JPL): Test at the SSDT for attitude dynamics, including antenna pointing and disturbances' characterization.

Potential Applications: CubeSats (from 2U up, LEO and interplanetary). Small satellites. Traditional spacecraft (as an emergency antenna). Follow-On options: High altitude balloon deployment experiment (as part of the capstone class at ASU). Proposed: NASA CAN STMD proposal with ASU to build and launch a 3U CubeSat demo carrying the inflatable antenna. Additional options: SBIR, STTR and/or SURP: Direct development funding from a CubeSat mission.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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