Cheap flight-ready X band antenna with backed cavity

A simple and cost-effective antenna has been developed and is presented in this document. It targets nanosatellite applications, with 10 dBi gain and RHCP, compact ("CubeSat ready") footprint, and very low weight of less than 40 grams. It fulfills all the demanding requirements of a harsh space environment including application-specific aggressive mechanical shock and vibration. It is based on a well known and proven concept of frequency-independent spiral antenna, effectively adapted to the requirement of low height with the use of impedance transformer. The directivity and front-to-back ratio is enhanced through the proper use of the metal cavity. Already being a subject of detailed RF, mechanical, thermal and multipactor simulations, this antenna is currently at the last stage of qualification campaign before its virgin flight to TRL9. It is to reach orbit in 2022/23 becoming the first 100% Polish X band hardware in space. This paper reveals the design process and briefly describes manufacturing and test issues that are typical in the development of this type of hardware. As a result, a 10dBi gain featherweight antenna with good Axial Ratio and Return Loss performance, compact size and fully CubeSat compatible is produced, joining the portfolio of WiRan's flight products.