Miniaturized UHF microstrip antenna for a Mars mission

摘要: The JPL/NASA Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Program is planning a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission circa 2005. This will have rover on to pick and place soil samples into small spherical canister (16 cm diameter), which be ejected Martian orbit retrieved by an orbiting spacecraft. spacecraft than bring the back Earth for sample analysis. During ascent toward spacecraft, UHF transponder/beacon transmitt/receive signal needed from canister. calls miniaturized low-profile antenna with omni-directional pattern mounted onto outer skin of Antenna miniaturization techniques used this circular patch are two fold: high dielectric-constant substrate material multiple slats patch. paper presents that combines these dual-frequency dual-polarization capabilities. radiation characteristics antenna, when canister, as well flat ground planes various sizes, discussed. bandwidth efficiency performance thermal effect also presented. In general, radiates nearly good cross-polarisation characteristics.