New Reflector Antenna Tailored for Smallsat Missions

L3Harris Technologies has introduced a new small satellite reflector antenna that will help decrease the size, weight and overall time to produce smallsats. Lighter and more compact than legacy designs, the new Smallsat Perimeter Truss (SPT) leverages L3Harris’ advanced Perimeter Truss design, while optimizing its mass to make the unit lighter and smaller to package onto small satellites. 

The Perimeter Truss Reflector uses L3Harris’ proprietary high-frequency mesh to achieve superior reflectivity and low cross-polarization interference. Offered in diameters up to four meters, and specifically designed for use on smallsat platforms, the Ka-band SPT is one-third the size and 50% the weight of previous designs. When stowed, the reflector is about the size of a commercial office fire extinguisher. The high-accuracy, low-stowed Perimeter Truss Reflector scales from 3 meters to 22 meters.

Smallsats are playing a more important role in space and industry must continue to develop ways to make every satellite component smaller and lighter to keep pace with production and mission requirements. The new Smallsat Perimeter Truss – enables L3Harris to package large high-gain antennas onto smaller satellite platforms.

L3Harris is showcasing its latest reflector antenna offering at the SATELLITE 2020 conference from March 9-12 in Washington, D.C.

Click here to learn more about the Perimeter Truss Reflector.