Design of an array antenna system for Chang'E-5 LRPR

This paper describes an array antenna system for lunar regolith penetrating radar (LRPR), which is an important payload onboard the lander of Chang'E-5. The array's proposed operational frequency range is from 1000MHz ∼ 3000MHz. It has 12 elements arrayed along their H plane. The elements are designed into a compact Vivaldi antenna with 1/4 elliptical slot in order to realize the need for ultra-wideband, miniaturization, and lightweight. The array antenna system had undergone rigorous temperature and mechanical tests to make sure that it is able to adapt to the conditions of launching, landing, and lunar surface working. The array antenna system has some advantages for application to LRPR, such as wide frequency band, good time-domain characteristics, and easy integration.