All-Metal Patch Dual-Frequency Dual-Circular Polarized Fan-Beam Antenna

An all metal patch dual frequency dual circularly polarized X-band antenna is under development at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a potential Europa Lander. The antenna is proposed to be used as a secondary telecommunication antenna for Direct-to-Earth (DTE) link without relying on an Orbiter. An antenna array with fan-beam radiation has been designed which can result in a wide beam circular polarization for longer coverage while surviving the harsh environmental conditions at Europa, including, cryogenic temperature, high radiation and electrostatic discharge (ESD) levels.