Abstract This paper presents the design, fabrication, and measurement of a high-gain, wideband foldable reflectarray antenna optimized for 3U CubeSat deep-space communication at an 8.4 GHz downlink frequency. The antenna employs custom intertwined square loops and convoluted strips as unit elements on an FR-3703 substrate with an air gap, enabling a 360° phase shift across 240 elements. Its three-piece mechanically foldable structure deploys from a compact 10 cm × 10 cm × 30 cm stowed volume to a 30 cm × 30 cm aperture (8.4λ × 8.4λ). The design achieves a simulated gain of 26.2 dBi, sidelobe level of − 21.1 dB, and an 18% 3-dB bandwidth (7.55–9.35 GHz). Anechoic chamber measurements validate these results, showing a measured gain of 21.63 dBi and an aperture efficiency of approximately 68% at 8.4 GHz. Compared to state-of-the-art deployable antennas, this design significantly advances bandwidth and aperture efficiency within stringent 3U CubeSat size constraints, while enabling low-cost, simple fabrication through microstrip technology and straightforward hinge mechanisms. It fills a critical literature gap by achieving an 18% fractional bandwidth—significantly wider than typical deployable reflectarrays—while effectively overcoming the longstanding trade-off between bandwidth and deployability. These attributes collectively affirm its suitability for demanding deep-space missions requiring compact, reliable, and high-performance communication solutions, paving the way for future CubeSat antenna innovations.
Kurt et al. (Thu,) studied this question.