ISISPACE VHF/UHF Antenna for 6U+

The ISISPACE VHF/UHF Antenna for 6U+ (Antenna Subsystem 2, ANTS2) is a configurable deployable VHF/UHF antenna subsystem for 6U and larger CubeSats and microsatellites.^[1] It extends the architecture of the 1U-3U antenna family into a modular form comprising two corner PCBs, an RF phasing circuit board, and mission-tailored harness options.^[1] Flight heritage dates from 2020, with more than 100 units delivered per the ISISPACE product page.^[1]

The subsystem supports monopole, dipole, turnstile, and hybrid antenna configurations with selectable circular or linear polarisation, automated or individual element deployment, and software-controlled safe/arm functionality.^[1] Deployment of all elements completes in under 5 seconds.^[1]

The unit operates across 145-868 MHz with a maximum RF power handling of 2 W, a UHF bandwidth exceeding 50 MHz, and a VHF bandwidth exceeding 10 MHz, both at -10 dB return loss.^[1] Boresight gain is 0 dBi on both VHF and UHF.^[1] The electrical interface uses a miniature 9-pin OMNETICS connector with I2C data communications and an MMCX female 50-ohm RF interface, drawing 80 mW at nominal power and up to 2.3 W during deployment.^[1]

Mass ranges from 90 to 115 g depending on configuration, with a footprint of 98 x 98 mm and a configuration-dependent stowed height.^[1] Operating temperature range is -20 to +80 deg C, with a deployment temperature range of -5 to +80 deg C.^[1]