UDAN Deployable UHF-Helix Antenna
hps-high-performance-space-structure-systems
Compact deployable UHF antenna delivering 10-dBi-class gain for CubeSats — stows in 1U, deploys to 50cm height, ESA/DLR-backed development.
Technical specifications
- Stowed size
- 1U cube, <0.3 kg (antenna only)
- Frequency
- Scalable 300 MHz-1 GHz (baseline 400-460 MHz)
- Peak gain
- >10 dBi
- Lifetime
- 5 years
- Deployed size
- 50 cm height x 90 cm diameter
- Development backing
- ESA ARTES programme, DLR
About
UDAN packs high antenna gain into a small stowed volume, targeting the performance gap in small-satellite communications. Stowed in a 1U cube weighing under 0.3 kg, it deploys to 50 cm height by 90 cm diameter and operates at 400-460 MHz, with plans to extend coverage to 100-1000 MHz. Development is backed by ESA and DLR under ESA’s ARTES programme; a breadboard deployment succeeded in December 2024, with CDR completed in March 2025 and an in-orbit demonstration targeted for Q2 2026.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
