A Nondeployable, Folded-Dipole, UHF Antenna With Dual Circular Polarization for Nanosatellite Telemetry Applications

The modern nanosatellite paradigm calls for innovative UHF antenna solutions that address the challenges of size, mass, and in-orbit deployment, especially for reliable telemetry and telecommand links. In this article, we introduce a compact UHF folded dipole antenna that employs a novel three-element sequential rotation technique to achieve simultaneous dual circular polarization. Notable features of the design include its lightweight construction, low directivity for extensive Earth coverage from orbit, and a deployment-free configuration enabled by $\lambda _{0}/10$ miniaturization. This article also details the antenna's structure, including its polylactic acid support and the microstrip feeding network.