Miniaturized retrodirective arrays for small-satellite platforms

Abstract

Integrating a retrodirective array (RDA) and a small-satellite, like a CubeSat, presents unique challenges due to the platform's restrictions in terms of size, weight, and power limitations. This thesis focuses on developing novel RDA architectures that are directly suited for this resource-constrained platform. A null-scanning RDA, which was the first architecture to utilize a null for power detection, is presented. A new digital architecture implemented in the small-satellite-optimized RDA is shown. Practical design considerations for improving RDA performance are outlined. A conceptual design for a 1.5U CubeSat RDA is also presented.