In a breakthrough that could reshape satellite communication, researchers have developed a novel antenna design that promises to enhance data transmission for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The study, led by H. Abuklill from the Department of Communications and Electronics at Alexandria Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, introduces an open-ended waveguide lens antenna with a conical-shaped radiation pattern, tailored for X-band fully-duplex communication subsystems. This innovation is particularly relevant for Earth remote sensing applications, where reliable communication links are crucial.
The antenna is designed to maintain robust connections with ground stations at a minimum satellite elevation angle of 10°, corresponding to ±63° off-nadir, for a near-circular orbit at an altitude of 700 km. Operating within the 9.75–10.25 GHz band, the antenna provides broad coverage over a working sector of approximately 126° × 126° in azimuth and elevation, with peak radiation directed at ±63° from nadir. It achieves a minimum gain of 5 dBic in these directions and employs right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) for downlink and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) for uplink.
One of the standout features of this design is the integration of a metallic circular backing plate coated with a polyaniline (PANI) nano-material absorber between the dielectric lens and the reflector disc. This PANI layer, characterized by tunable dielectric properties and intrinsic microwave loss, improves impedance matching at the lens–waveguide interface and effectively suppresses surface currents and backward radiation. Material characterization via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the semi-crystalline structure and micro-porous morphology of the synthesized PANI, which contribute to enhanced electromagnetic absorption.
The results are impressive. The axial ratio at 10 GHz is reduced from 1.0 dB to 0.05 dB, the gain at ±63° is increased from 4.1 dBic to 6.0 dBic, and the 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth is expanded from 400 MHz to 500 MHz. These enhancements demonstrate the potential of integrating functional PANI nano-materials into high-performance antenna architectures for advanced satellite communication and Earth observation applications.
For the maritime sector, this technology could be a game-changer. Reliable satellite communication is vital for ship-to-shore communication, navigation, and data transmission. The improved performance of these antennas could lead to more efficient and dependable communication links, even in challenging conditions. This could enhance safety, operational efficiency, and data accuracy for maritime operations.
As H. Abuklill notes, “The integration of PANI nano-materials into antenna designs opens up new possibilities for enhancing communication performance in satellite systems.” This breakthrough could pave the way for more advanced and reliable communication solutions, benefiting not only the maritime industry but also other sectors that rely on satellite communication.
Published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ (translated from Arabic as ‘Reports of Science’), this research highlights the potential of nano-materials in improving antenna performance. The findings could lead to more efficient and effective communication systems, ultimately benefiting a wide range of industries, including maritime.