Dual-Band Transmitarray Antenna for Simultaneous Uplink/Downlink Communications in Small Satellite Applications

This paper presents a flat-panel dual-band transmitarray antenna (TA) with linear polarization designed for concurrent uplink (29 GHz) and downlink (19 GHz) satellite communications. The TA features a low-profile and lightweight microstrip aperture (103.4 mm $\times 103.4$ mm $\times 1.7$ mm), coupled with a commercial-off-the-shelf horn antenna for excitation. Our novel TA element is carefully designed to achieve high-efficiency transmission and independent phase control in both operating bands, while ensuring that its features can be fabricated using standard PCB manufacturing techniques. Additionally, by arranging the phase tuning mechanism for each band on opposite sides of the aperture, space is created to accommodate DC biasing circuitry for electronic beam scanning applications in future iterations of the design. A passive prototype of the TA was fabricated using conventional PCB and additive manufacturing techniques. The TA’s performance was validated with measurements that demonstrated high gain (22.9 dBi and 20.2 dBi), aperture efficiency (15.4% and 19.3%), and 1-dB gain bandwidth (4.3% and 13.4%) in the respective operating bands (29 and 19 GHz). With its cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, and rapid deployment capability, the proposed TA offers an efficient solution for establishing wireless communications in remote locations, making it ideal for tactical, work-site, and small satellite applications.