Nebula Public Library

The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

De-risk assessment: Helix Antenna

Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
G617-241TAby
Prime Contractor
OXFORD SPACE SYSTEMS
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
United Kingdom
De-risk assessment: Helix Antenna
Objectives

OSS and ESA have identified a need for a European produced deployable helical antenna suitable to meet the needs of the cubesat and microsat markets.
GSTP aim was to develop a nominal design which would address the most commonly required frequency range 866MHz and 915MHz centre values
GSTP then aimed to develop a second, lower frequency design, centred around 400MHz.
It allowed OSS to understand the scalability of the basic helical design solution and its ability to stow in the restricted stowage envelopes available in small spacecraft.

Description

GSTP project has increased OSS’ capabilities in the development and production of deployable helical antennas for MicroSats and NanoSats that are:
- Highly Stowage Efficient
- High Gain
- Low lead time
- Cost Effective
Indeed, manufacturing and test process and supply chain improvement have occurred throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Overall the GSTP project was a success it allowed OSS to continue the industrialisation of helical antennas.
There has been a consolidation of suppliers. The Manufacturing and test procedures are in a good state and will smooth out the build of futures antennas.

Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
OTHERS
Competence Domain
5-Radiofrequency & Optical Systems and Products
Initial TRL
TRL N/A
Target TRL
TRL N/A
Achieved TRL
TRL N/A
Public Document
Executive Summary