Computer Aided Design of Ka-band Waveguide Hybrid Junctions for Power Combining Architectures in Interplanetary Spacecraft

NASA's Prometheus program proposes using nuclear fission to provide unprecedented power capabilities for future interplanetary missions. Through nuclear fission, we can consider power-combining techniques using multiple TWTAs as opposed to multiple solid-state devices. Waveguide architectures represent one method of combining the power of multiple TWTAs and the fundamental element of waveguide combining architectures is the hybrid junction. We present the simulated transmission characteristics of four waveguide hybrid junctions designed for use in a TWTA power combining system capable of producing a kW of power.