Origami-inspired helical antenna deployed in orbit for first time
发布时间：2024年6月5日 12:41
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The Lacuna Space IoT Gateway satellite with Oxford Space Systems helical antenna extended (Credit: Lacuna Space, Oxford Space Systems)
An origami-inspired helical antenna has deployed in orbit for the first time, contributing to a space-based Internet of Things (IoT) communications network.
An origami-inspired helical antenna has deployed in orbit for the first time, contributing to a space-based Internet of Things (IoT) communications network.
Developed by Oxford Space Systems (OSS), based at the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire, the antenna is designed to maximise stowage efficiency and radio frequency performance. The helical design also has a low mass and offers ‘single shot’ deployment.
The successful deployment onboard Lacuna Space’s latest operational satellite is the first such deployment in low Earth orbit for an OSS antenna. Launched in September, the satellite underwent a series of in-orbit tests that will establish it as part of Lacuna’s IoT Gateway. The successful deployment was confirmed when signals were received by ground stations as expected.
A second OSS helical antenna is already in orbit for Lacuna onboard a PSLV rocket, launched from India on 7 November 2020. The same sequence of in-orbit tests is underway and should lead to deployment in the coming weeks.
Lacuna Space is building a constellation of IoT gateways in low Earth orbit that enable ground-based sensors to connect to the internet from remote areas. The CubeSat constellation benefits from the stowage efficiency and optimised RF performance of the antenna.
The deployment is a “key milestone” as OSS aims to become the world’s leading deployable antenna company for space, said CEO Sean Sutcliffe.
CTO Juan Reveles said: “Through a combination of well-proven mechanical principles, thorough material characterisation and innovative design, the OSS team have developed a cost-effective and highly scalable antenna which can be customised to operate over a wide frequency range. We are proud to contribute to Lacuna Space’s ambition to build an IoT Gateway and we look forward to working together toward a full satellite constellation.”
The OSS team received R&D funding support from the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The successful deployment onboard Lacuna Space’s latest operational satellite is the first such deployment in low Earth orbit for an OSS antenna. Launched in September, the satellite underwent a series of in-orbit tests that will establish it as part of Lacuna’s IoT Gateway. The successful deployment was confirmed when signals were received by ground stations as expected.
A second OSS helical antenna is already in orbit for Lacuna onboard a PSLV rocket, launched from India on 7 November 2020. The same sequence of in-orbit tests is underway and should lead to deployment in the coming weeks.
Lacuna Space is building a constellation of IoT gateways in low Earth orbit that enable ground-based sensors to connect to the internet from remote areas. The CubeSat constellation benefits from the stowage efficiency and optimised RF performance of the antenna.
The deployment is a “key milestone” as OSS aims to become the world’s leading deployable antenna company for space, said CEO Sean Sutcliffe.
CTO Juan Reveles said: “Through a combination of well-proven mechanical principles, thorough material characterisation and innovative design, the OSS team have developed a cost-effective and highly scalable antenna which can be customised to operate over a wide frequency range. We are proud to contribute to Lacuna Space’s ambition to build an IoT Gateway and we look forward to working together toward a full satellite constellation.”
The OSS team received R&D funding support from the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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