Design and analysis of a dualband antenna for small LEO satellite applications

Dualband antennas have many applications in small LEO satellites since use of this type of antenna makes the satellite structure simpler, thus it leads to a low cost and easy construction. The separated turnstile antenna (STA) can provide saddle-shaped and hemispherical patterns. The ability of dual-band operation of this antenna has been investigated and a dual band STA has been designed for the satellite. Its ability in making an arbitrary Earth covering pattern for data communications and an omnidirectional pattern for satellite control has made a lot of applications in small LEO satellites. A wire model of the STA is analyzed by the moment method and its gain pattern, polarization and input impedance are calculated. Also, effects of antenna geometrical parameters on its pattern and input impedance have been researched and calculated.