Ka-band deployable mesh reflector antenna compatible with the deep space network

This paper presents a novel deployable Ka-band antenna folding in a 1.5U (10×10×15cm³) stowage volume suitable for 6U (10×20×30cm³) class CubeSats. This antenna is designed for telecommunication and is compatible with the NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) at Ka-band frequencies (uplink: 34.2-34.7 GHz and downlink: 31.8-32.3 GHz). Detailed simulations, considering all aspects of the circularly-polarized mesh deployable reflector antenna including the feed, show that 42.0-dBi gain and 57% aperture efficiency is achievable at 32GHz. The mechanical deployment mechanism is thoroughly described as it is a critical component of the deployable CubeSat antenna.