With the aim of demonstrating an inexpensive ability to convey science data with the earth Then it flew with a weather balloon in just three months.
The 3D printing of the Electronics group from NASA near space network and Goddard Space Flight Center used a 3D printing, which was produced by the antenna for the recording. According to these engineers, the 3D printer was a good candidate for the control of the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of the antenna. The majority of the 3D printed antenna uses A Low electrical resistance, adjustable polymer material filled with ceramic.
After the production, the antenna in the Goddard Space Flight Center of the NASA in Greenbelt, Maryland, was put together and tested in the electromagnetic anechoic chamber of the center.
The anechoic chamber is the calmest room in Goddard – a shielded room that resist both intrusive electromagnetic waves and suppress their emissions into the outside world. This chamber eliminates echoes and reflections of electromagnetic waves to simulate the relative “calm” of the room.
NASA/Peter Moschetti
To prepare for the examination, NASA internship Alex Moricette Installed the antenna on the mast of the anechoic chamber. The antenna development team used the chamber to test their performance in a spatial environment and ensure that it works as intended.
After completion, the NASA antenna engineers carried out final field tests in the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility of NASA in Palestine, Texas, before the withdrawal.
The team coordinated the connections with the relay fleet of the Near Space Network in order to test the ability of the 3D printed antenna, send and receive data.
The team monitored the performance by sent signals and from the 3D printed antenna and the planned communication system of the balloon, a standard satellite antenna. Both antennas were tested in different angles and heights. By comparing the 3D printed antenna with the standard antenna, they found a baseline for optimal performance.
During the flight, the weather balloon and the hostess 3D printed antenna were tested and safe for the survival of the environment at 100,000 feet.
The tests showed that on creating high-performance communication antennas that are tailored to mission specifications faster.
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