Deployable quadrifilar helical antenna

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for providing deployable and collapsible Quadrifilar Helical Antennas (QHA) on small satellites to improve communications in low earth orbit satellites. Monopole antennas are very popular for use on small satellites, generally because they are relatively easy to attach. By using circularly polarized antennas for the spacecraft and the ground station, polarization losses are virtually eliminated. The QHA can be designed to have a wide range of circularly polarized antenna patterns. Low power transmitters are employed on the small satellite to be consistent with the available energy. The communication link budgets are dependent on good radiation pattern characteristics for the small satellite downlink where higher data rates are required. Quadrifilar Helical Antennas can be collapsed and stowed inside a module to mount inside typical cubes known as 1U through 27U size small satellites. After launch from the rocket, the QHA can be deployed to its stored memory shape. The QHA radiating filars can be made from Nitinol wires having an activation temperature above which the filars resume their stored memory shape acquired during heating treatments. QHA applies an electrical direct current onto the filars after launch of the small satellite independent of the radio frequency of the QHA.