Dual band printed inverted F antenna (IFA) for low earth orbit (LEO) small satellites

This paper presents the theoretical knowledge, simulation and fabrication results for the design of dual band printed inverted F antenna (IFA) for low earth orbit (LEO) small satellites. Two radio frequency bands, 145 MHz (VHF) and 435 MHz (UHF), have been selected for transmitting and receiving, respectively. FR-4 Substrate with ei=4.3 has been used for the antenna. CST Studio Suite 2015 has been used to perform all the simulations for the calculations of Return Loss (S11) for the antenna at the said bands and for matching parameters. A small scale 4:1 model of antenna is fabricated for lab testing. The return loss (S11) measurements are like the simulated results. Nichrome Burn Wire mechanism is proposed for antenna deployment on the satellite body and four antennas' model is proposed to achieve circular polarization. The Design shows very promising results which makes it very suitable for the LEO small satellites.