Rigid-Flexible Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna Using Modular Elements for L-Band Space Applications

Compact and low-cost antennas with reconfigurable patterns are of great interest for communication and observation systems. This type of antenna can enable main beam tilting and provide wide angle beam steering as compared to the narrow beam of a high gain antenna [1]. Pattern reconfigurable antennas also have drawn significant attention for improving the performance of satellite communication systems. Various designs are presented in literature for pattern reconfigurable antennas [2]. Most of the designs are based on conventional rigid substrates, which is not useful for compact stowage and deployment in space [3].