Effects of the LEO satellite structure on the performance of Quadrifilar Helical Antennas

Abstract

This paper presents the effects of a small satellite structure on the characteristics of Quadrifilar Helical Antennas (QHAs). The antenna is first analyzed in free space in order to achieve the desired radiation pattern using Method of Moment (MoM). Two antennas are then simulated in the presence of the satellite structure for two different distances from the satellite surface. It is shown that performance of the antenna is remarkably affected by the satellite structure. Having obtained the radiation pattern of the antenna in the vicinity of the satellite structure, one can use the antenna with the more desirable feature to be implemented.