Development of a 3U CubeSat Electromagnetic Model

Cube satellites (CubeSats) have become an increasingly approachable gateway for enthusiasts to access space at low-cost, with their versatility allowing for many functionalities to be implemented on one small platform. Of the various subsystems, the communication system is perhaps the most critical to mission success. As CubeSat size and complexity grows, it becomes increasingly important to characterize the im-pact of the structural elements of the CubeSat on the radiation properties of the communications antennas placed thereon. This is especially crucial during the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) when the CubeSat attempts to reach the desired stable orbit. By knowing the radiation patterns during different stages of deployment, such as the tumbling stage, the CubeSat design may be optimized to ensure a successful communication link between the ground station and the CubeSat. Furthermore, the impact of failure mechanisms during LEOP on the communication link may be studied, leading to the development of contingency plans.