A new algorithm for antenna optimization in aerospace applications: The sounding rocket test case

This paper aims to optimize the design of a novel antenna for aerospace applications to be integrated on an experimental rocket that has been designed in an advanced research student program. In order to optimize EM performance of such a system a novel optimization algorithm called SNO, Social Network Optimization, has been developed and tested to find the best configuration that assure the effectiveness of the overall rocket design. The explosion of Internet and Social Network diffusion in the last years is having a direct impact on different research fields as computer science, economy, sociology and biological science. SNO concept is an optimization algorithm inspired by the emulation of decision making process in social network environments. The experimental results of the rocket antenna design will be presented to prove the effectiveness of this new algorithm.