Investigation of Antenna Radomes in Low Earth Orbits

Sammanfattning: Introduction: This master’s thesis focuses on exploring improved alternative material solutions for antenna radomes used to protect Beyond Gravity Sweden’s satellite antennas in low Earth orbits. Background: As the environment in low Earth orbit is harsh, surface materials on satellites experience high levels of atomic oxygen, ultra violet radiation, thermal-fluctuation, charged particles and micro meteoroids. Therefore, finding materials that can resist these harsh conditions while maintaining radio wave transparency for efficient communication and transfer of data is a complex challenge. Beyond Gravity’s current satellite antenna radome is coated with a surface paint that has proven to be sensitive to mechanical touch, have long curing times, and expensive repairing procedures. Aim(s): As a result of the expensive and vulnerable surface paint, my aim is to identify a cheaper, more efficient, and better material or coating to replace the current radome and/or coating. Methods: To find alternative solutions I have researched radio wave transparent composite materials as well as thin metal-oxide films used in space and low Earth orbits, I have contacted space coating paint suppliers around Europe, and spoken with materials-experts at Beyond Gravity and Swedish universities. Results: The results proved that the European space coating manufacturer Enbio could provide Beyond Gravity with a new paint coating that has the potential of meeting all Beyond Gravity’s antenna radome requirements, while being more efficient and less costly than Beyond Gravity’s current solution. The results along with the discussion also showcase the future work and testing that needs to be conducted before determining the coatings applicability to Beyond Gravity’s antenna radomes. Conclusion: In conclusion, Enbio’s paint coating is less costly, more efficient and potentially better than Beyond Gravity’s current surface paint coating. However, future testing and qualification is required to determine if Enbio’s coatings meet up to Beyond Gravity’s antenna radome requirements.