A transparent CubeSat antenna that combines efficient RF communication with solar panel functionality, using ITO and Kapton layers to provide high-performance communication, optical transparency, and improved environmental durability.” The project integrates the transparent antenna directly onto the solar panels, allowing the same surface to support both communication and power generation, contributing to a more efficient design for small satellite platforms.
Project Idea
This project presents a transparent Microstrip Patch Antenna for CubeSat satellites, using Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) combined with a 0.05 mm Kapton protective layer. The antenna targets the Ku-band (12–18 GHz) to support high-data-rate communication while preserving solar panel efficiency. Three designs were compared: Copper, ITO, and ITO + Kapton.
01
The Beginning
02
The Idea
The project introduces a transparent antenna integrated directly onto the CubeSat solar panels, allowing sunlight to reach the solar cells for power generation while maintaining high-performance RF communication. The design aims to: * Maximize the limited surface area of small satellites. * Preserve solar panel efficiency. * Provide high-performance wireless communication. * Improve antenna resistance to harsh Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environmental conditions. * Extend the operational lifetime of the antenna.
03
The Experience
A visual tour documenting the manufacturing stages, laboratory testing, and live tracking experiments in the field.
Explore the projects and experiments that shape the Electrospace experience.
