Plasma Antenna Technology in Space Missions

This study focuses on the characteristics of plasma antennas for their application in space communication systems. Structural and functional characteristics of plasma antenna are presented to evaluate their capability of being used in space missions. Numerical and experimental analysis results of the plasma antenna show that the resonant frequency of the antenna is controllable by changing the applied power, thus allowing different transmitting frequencies with a single element. This property leads to the reduction of the antenna elements in a limited area and the simplification in the layout of onboard communication systems as well as a decrease in the interferences of the electromagnetic waves. Analysis of the circular array of plasma antenna shows a novel beam forming mechanism with a high directivity in the space.