3D Printed Self-Deployable Antenna Arrays for CubeSat Applications

Project Member(s): Yang, Y., Esselle, K., Thalakotuna, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Investment NSW (Space Research Network)
Investment NSW (Space Research Network)

Start year: 2023

Summary: The project, for the first time, proposes a novel concept of 3D printed CubeSat antennas, using light-weight shape-memory-alloy (SMA) for motor-free in-space actuations of antenna arrays, including expansion (after launching), contraction (in-space maintenance) and attitude control (satellite communications and objects tracking). The objectives include: (1) A study of 3D printing SMA and its applications to antenna designs, (2) Antenna design using emerging 3D printed SMA, (3) Verification of antenna attitude control (lab environment). The proposed antennas are motor-free and significant in on-demand manufacturing by reducing scrap materials and payload.

Publications:

Chamani, S, Lv, X, Bird, TS & Yang, Y 1970, 'Exploring a Dual-Port Open-ended Coaxial Cable and a Multi-Layered Tissue Model for Skin Cancer Detection', 2024 49th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz), 2024 49th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz), IEEE, pp. 1-2.
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Lv, X, Luo, Z & Yang, Y 1970, 'Detachable Impedance-Matching Boosters for FSS-Based Broadband Designs', 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and INC/USNC‐URSI Radio Science Meeting (AP-S/INC-USNC-URSI), 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and INC/USNC‐URSI Radio Science Meeting (AP-S/INC-USNC-URSI), IEEE, pp. 1-2.
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FOR Codes: Satellite communications, Antennas and propagation, Additive manufacturing , Satellite technologies, networks and services

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.