Integrated antenna system for imaging microsatellites

摘要

Examples of imaging microsatellites are described that have an imaging system and antenna system disposed within the microsatellite body when the microsatellite is in a non-deployed state. The properties of the antenna system can be adjusted such that the antenna system does not impact, contact, or displace the imaging system when the microsatellite is in the non-deployed state. The properties of the antenna system can be adjusted such that the antenna system does not contact or impact the body of the microsatellite or any other structure when the microsatellite transitions to a deployed state. The antenna system can be configured to achieve a desired gain and/or data transmission rate by adjusting properties of the antenna system based on the radiation pattern of an antenna feed and geometric constraints imposed by the imaging system. Examples of methods for designing such imaging microsatellites are provided.

主权项

1. A method of deploying an imaging satellite, the method comprising:
transitioning an imaging satellite from a non-deployed state to a deployed state, the imaging satellite comprising a body having an opening, an imaging system disposed within the body, a door attached to the body, and an antenna system mounted to an interior surface of the door of the imaging satellite, wherein the imaging system comprises a telescope comprising a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a secondary mirror support configured to secure the secondary mirror relative to the primary mirror, wherein:
in the non-deployed state, the opening is covered by the door and the antenna system is configured to not displace the imaging system;in the deployed state, the opening is not covered by the door; andduring the transitioning from the non-deployed state to the deployed state, the antenna system does not contact the body of the imaging satellite, and wherein the transitioning the imaging satellite from the non-deployed state to the deployed state comprises rotating the door such that the door and the antenna system do not obstruct the field of view of the imaging system through the opening;securing the imaging satellite in the deployed state, wherein the opening allows radiation to enter the imaging system such that the imaging system can image a field of view through the opening;
orienting the imaging satellite such that the antenna system is directed toward a ground receiving station; and when the imaging satellite is in the deployed state, transmitting, with the antenna system, imaging data acquired by the imaging system to the ground receiving station.