On omnidirectional coverage with minimum number of circularly polarized patch antennas placed on minisatellites

In the design of spacecraft, modern numerical electromagnetism can effectively deal with studies into optimization of antenna placement. Such studies are of great importance to reduce risks of disruption communication between spacecraft and ground stations (GS). We had carried out an extensive numerical modeling and experimental validation of the simulation results in this area. These efforts were concentrated on determination of a combined radiation pattern for several antennas mounted on minispacecraft. Size of a main body of the minispacecraft under analysis was up to ~60x60x70cm (23x23x27 inches). In the analysis we had drawn our attention to effects related to solar panels and we proposed technical means to mitigate impact of failed panel deployment to the communication subsystem.