The ESA-DANTE (Deployable Satellite Navigation Antenna) project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the “Navigation Innovation Support Programme” (NAVISP) Phase 3 EL1.

The aim of the project is to design and develop a prototype of a deployable satellite antenna for navigation applications in the Ka-band. This antenna is planned to be installed on a small satellite platform (small-sat) moving in LEO orbit, and will be exploited in navigation services in co-operation with satellite mega constellations (e.g. Starlink).

NCSRD’s participation concerns the design of the antenna, which will be carried out in three stages:
Initially, an extensive study and recording of the current state of the art regarding deployable antennas operating in the Ka-band will be carried out, focusing on navigation applications.
Subsequently, design and analysis will be carried out through electromagnetic simulation of various proposed antenna types.
To complete the project, the final design will be selected, for which detailed design and analysis will be carried out, on which the implementation of the final laboratory prototype of the antenna will be based.

*Funding by European Space Agency (ESA) under the “Navigation Innovation Support Programme” (NAVISP) Phase 3 EL1