Non-Deployable Miniaturized Quadslot Antenna for Cubesats

The combination of the structural panels of a 1U cubesat and their air gaps can form a quadslot antenna. This type of antenna eliminates the need for a deployment mechanism and reduces the risk of a disconnection from the satellite. The electrical field constructs in an air gap at the corner of two panels, and when all four panels are powered the antenna emits a semi-omnidirectional radiation pattern similar to a dipole. Unlike a dipole, it can radiate up to 5dB of gain instead of 2.15dB. Another benefit to this antenna is its ability to have sensors and or solar cells on the panels without interfering with the radiation pattern. This is because each panel serves two electrical purposes: increasing the electrical length to reduce frequency and providing space for miscellaneous electrical hardware. Overall, this type of antenna provides the same capability as an L-dipole or patch antenna without sacrificing space, increasing cost, or cumulating more risk. The design allows for a variety of flexibility in frequency, bandwidth, physical size, or construction. This was designed and developed at California Polytechnic State University