A Vibration-Proof Wideband GNSS Antenna for Space Applications

A vibration resistant Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna is the key element for spacecrafts to uninterruptedly receive the required navigation data for determining the instantaneous position of spacecrafts in space. This article presents a single-feed, right-hand circularly polarized and wideband GNSS antenna whose structural design is strengthened to withstand vibration on space vehicles caused by launch operation. The proposed antenna mainly aims to meet all structural and operational requirements to cover the entire frequency bands of all known navigation satellite constellations (1.164-1.610 GHz). In accordance with this purpose, a right-hand circularly polarized crossed bowtie dipole antenna with a vibration-proof structural support and a protective radome structure is designed, fabricated, and measured. The simulation and measurement results show that the presented antenna covers all GNSS frequency bands with an improved gain performance and its measured functional performance remains consistent exposure to vibration.