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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
To fill this technology gap, the Lightweight Deployable Integrable Antenna (LiDIA) solution enables high gain antenna arrays with extraordinarily low mass and stowage volume by uniquely and innovatively using thin film materials and passively deploying support structures to create patch antennas that stow without dielectric spacing between the electrically conductive patch and ground plane elements. These patch antennas passively self-deploy upon release creating an optimal free space dielectric area between the patch and ground planes. Using similar techniques for antenna interconnects, high performance large deployable antenna arrays can be constructed that will exceed the data rates of the current state of the art and be comparable or better than large satellite solutions. The objectives of this project are to design, fabricate, and test two versions of the LiDIA critical pop up patch antenna with scalability to large arrays. A stretch goal will be to fabricate a 2x2 element array. Detailed simulations of the individual antenna elements and extended antenna arrays will also be performed. This concept is transformative utilizing new antenna patch design and new antenna fabrication processes enabling larger antenna arrays, higher gains, and higher data rates. The team will follow this CIF with a second year CIF or TIP to demonstrate a medium array (> 1 m2) at TRL4. This will position the team to propose with industry partner to STMD STTP, GCD, as well as SSTO discretionary funds for TRL5 and 6 development and eventual infusion into the Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) portfolio to fill the clearly defined ‘large aperture gap’.
There is great need and desire for high data rate communications solutions with low mass and volume requirements. This is especially true for small satellites, solar sail spacecraft, and/or missions beyond low earth orbit. This critical technology gap has been recognized by NASA, NOAA, DOD, and commercial spacecraft entities. This is especially evident in the current Small Spacecraft Technology Development Plan and in comments by the Small Spacecraft Technology leadership. The current small spacecraft state of the art is a reflectarray solution on Mars Cube One (MarCo) demonstrating 8 kbps data rate from Mars. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter large satellite ranges from 500 to 4,000 kbps.
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