Optimization of a Dual-Band Helical Antenna for TTC Applications at S Band

A compact dual-band equatorial helical antenna for TTC (telemetry, tracking, and control) applications in satellites is presented. The network feeding system of the antenna was also designed, analyzed, and measured to achieve circular polarization. A Moment Method code was used to evaluate the performance of both the helical antenna and the feed-circuit network. The whole system was optimized to fulfill rather strict specifications, while maintaining quite small size and weight. A prototype of the helical antenna was fabricated and measured. The design process of the geometrical model, and comparisons between the predicted and measured values, are presented. The results led to the conclusion that it is a very suitable antenna for operating at S band.