Communication to a Spinning CubeSat Using a Two-mode Planar Circular Array

This letter presents a novel technique for establishing a robust communication link to a spinning un-stabilized small satellite such as a CubeSat. We propose a system that involves a multi-mode excited planar circular array radio combined with a 360° phase shifter that can electronically track the spinning CubeSat antenna and establish a communication link. The transmitter comprises of a mode-generating Rotman lens and a circular array of microstrip patch antennas. Our proposed approach combines two spatially orthogonal modes of the circular array. We first present the system architecture, then we design and realize a proof-of-concept experimentally validated module operating in C–band at 5.8 GHz.