Abstract
Abstract: CubeSats are an increasingly popular platform for scientific applications in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). However their size limitations make long-range radio communications and applications requiring large structural elements difficult to implement. Inflatable Structures are one way to overcome this, but they have inherent issues such as vulnerabilities to micrometeorite impacts and low structural strength. Metal-Polymer Strain rigidisation, as used by NASA in the 1960s, is one way to mitigate these issues. The PICARD (Prototype Inflatable Conical Antenna-REXUS Deployment) experiment aims to build upon this technology. If fabricated with the metal layer covering only part of the surface, a structure can still rigidise when strained; however the individual, separate metallic elements could be used for electronic communications across inflatable structural sections, or as part of an antenna. The inflatable structure considered in PICARD is a wideband conical helix antenna, that was proposed for the WISCER [Wideband Ionospheric Sounder CubeSat Experiment] mission. WISCER is a precursor to space-based Earth-Observation radar systems: the mission aims to characterise the impact of the ionosphere on future UHF radar systems. To test the performance of the antenna structure in a space-like environment, the PICARD experiment will be launched aboard a REXUS sounding rocket (courtesy of DLR & SNSB) to an altitude of 90km altitude, achieving a miligravity time of around 140 seconds. The primary goal is characterisation of the deployment behaviour while the secondary goal is of the validation of the deployed antenna performance. The test will also provide information on how the antenna inflates, settles and rigidises.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015, IAC 2015 |
Subtitle of host publication | Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future |
Publisher | International Astronautical Federation, IAF |
Pages | 10638-10644 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Volume | 13 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781510818934 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Event | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015: Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future, IAC 2015 - Jerusalem, Israel Duration: 12 Oct 2015 → 16 Oct 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015: Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future, IAC 2015 |
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Country/Territory | Israel |
City | Jerusalem |
Period | 12/10/15 → 16/10/15 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aerospace Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science