Design of Rotation Adjustable Microstrip Patch Antenna for CubeSat Systems

CubeSat systems have gained wide applicability in academic research as well as commercial and scientific space missions due to their low cost, small size, and flexible design capabilities. However, one of the critical requirements for these systems in space missions is the presence of a reliable communication infrastructure. Particularly for CubeSat platforms operating under strict volume and mass constraints, the demand for high-gain, steerable, and bandwidth-optimized antenna solutions is steadily increasing. This study proposes an innovative solution based on a rotatable microstrip patch antenna design to address these needs. At the core of the proposed design lies a wideband microstrip patch antenna operating in the S and C bands, whose orientation can be controlled via a functional structural material capable of changing its shape in response to electrical stimulation. This approach offers significant advantages over conventional fixed-direction antenna designs by enabling both highly accurate beam steering and enhanced bandwidth. The design, developed through simulation, offers a lightweight and compact structure optimized for CubeSat applications. Moreover, it provides critical benefits in enabling satellites to dynamically track targets and maintain continuous signal coverage in space environments. As a result, the proposed antenna system makes CubeSats more effective, flexible, and reliable for complex space missions.