Design, analysis and optimization of a deployed nanosatellite antenna
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Date
2025-07-06
Authors
Χιώτης-Αγεωργούσης, Μιχάλης
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Abstract
This thesis presents the design, analysis and optimization of a deployable nanosatellite reflector antenna. It begins with an overview of the various types of reflective surfaces commonly found in deployable reflector antennas. Following this, 4 design concepts are proposed and evaluated based on volume and mass requirements, deployment reliability and mechanism complexity. Among them an umbrella type reflector was selected for further development due to its advantages. In the rest of the thesis a two-stage modeling approach was adopted. Initially, a simplified 1-rib model was developed to analyze the reflector kinematically and structurally. Lessons learned from this model were applied in the design and optimization of the final 20-rib reflector. The complete model was subjected to kinematic analysis, modal analysis in the stowed and deployed configuration and quasi-static structural assessment under simulated launch conditions. The analysis confirmed successful deployment and structural viability. Modal analysis results, in both stowed and deployed configuration, showed acceptable natural frequencies and quasi-static analysis results demonstrated that the reflector is able to withstand 25g acceleration along its axial direction and 30g of acceleration along its two lateral directions.
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Keywords
Nanosatellite antenna, Aerospace engineering, Deployable mechanism, Radial-rib reflector, Kinematic analysis