Industry
Satellite antennas enable devices and systems to send and receive data via satellite, providing connectivity for applications ranging from aircraft and vehicles to portable and wearable devices. Traditional phased-array antennas, however, can be difficult to integrate into these applications, particularly where available space is limited or low weight and flexibility are essential.
The challenge is therefore to develop lightweight and flexible antenna solutions that can adapt to different surfaces and shapes while maintaining the performance required for satellite communications.
The WONDER (Wearable and Optimized beNDable Electronics for antenna aRraying) project addresses this challenge by investigating flexible antenna architectures and printed electronic components that can continue to operate effectively even when the antenna is bent or exposed to environmental stresses.
At the same time, the project explores how to maintain accurate electronic beam steering, enabling the antenna to direct the signal without relying on bulky mechanical systems.
In the frameowork of this project, RINA coordinates the development and validation of flexible SATCOM antenna technologies.
We contribute to defining the operational scenarios, potential applications, and system requirements, as well as analysing existing technologies to identify the most suitable solutions for the project.
Our technical activities include the design and development of flexible phased-array antenna demonstrators for Ka-band satellite communications, together with the coordination of the manufacturing, integration, and testing of key antenna components.
We also define the validation approach and test procedures needed to assess the developed solutions. The results will contribute to evaluating the technology and identifying potential future applications and development of roadmaps.
WONDER aims to demonstrate the potential of ultra-lightweight, flexible phased-array antennas for future satellite communication systems.
The project could enable more versatile satellite terminals for aerospace, transportation, IoT, and wearable applications, while supporting the development of lower-profile connectivity solutions.
In the longer term, the manufacturing technologies explored within WONDER also have the potential to reduce system complexity and facilitate the development of new antenna configurations for emerging satellite communication applications.
