Antenna Requirements for Ionospheric Remote Sensing Using a Small Satellite

Abstract

Ionospheric remote sensing using small satellites presents a cost effective and scalable opportunity to improve on current solutions by employing linear polarization to directly measure Faraday rotation. However, the unique antenna and low power constraints as a result of the small satellite package means that an antenna solution specific to this application is necessary. In this paper, we propose practicable antenna requirements that enable Ionospheric remote sensing using a 3U CubeSat. The requirements consist of gain, polarization, phase center, and mechanical parameters. To demonstrate the practicality of the requirements, simulation results of a preliminary antenna design are presented.