Can We Improve on the Dipole Antenna for Space-based Low Frequency Radio Astronomy?

This paper presents an analysis of the shortcomingsof dipoles in space-based low frequency radio astronomy. It is atthese frequencies that it is expected to uncover more informationabout the beginning of the universe, the Dark Ages. At thismoment there is a 5 m tripole setup, part of the Netherlands-China Low Frequency Explorer (NCLE) on Earth-Moon-L2 HaloOrbit. However, the dipole is limited in term of bandwidth,size and impedance. To further increase the sensitivity, moreadvanced structures are needed which can be packed in thesame volume. This paper will present multiple solutions to theproblem in the form of inflatable antennas and the usage of shapememory alloys which are both viable options. A future solutionis a combination of both for packing efficiency and rigidization