Characteristic Mode Analysis for the Design of Nanosatellite Reconfigurable Antennas

A novel S-band antenna concept hosted on a 1U form factor CubeSat platform is designed by exploiting the Characteristic Modes Theory (CMT). The innovative strategy provides useful design guidelines to transform the external platform into an efficient radiator by stimulating an optimal current distribution on its conductive surface. The effect of the satellite platform on the radiated performances (efficiency, band, gain) is intrinsically taken into account and profitably exploited to realize an efficient radiation system. The minimally invasive radiators, strategically collocated on the platform thanks the CMT, allow achieving a great saving of space and an optimal modal current excitation able to provide excellent radiation performance.