Workshop (I)

CubeSats are modular and standardized modern small satellites. They have been gaining steady popularity as educational projects, low-cost space exploration vehicles for technology demonstrations, multi-point observations of the space environment, and monitoring/reporting proper deployment of expensive deep space instruments. With the rapid advancement of electronics, novel mechanical design, and aerospace technology, new progress in CubeSats is emerging daily. This calls for interest and early involvement of creative young minds. This presentation aims to convey the basics of the CubeSat development cycle, launch methods, typical CubeSat orbits, link budget analysis, various antenna solutions, and feasible classroom projects. For the interests of young professionals in electrical engineering, this lecture features a tour of several recent CubeSat missions and antenna designs for spacecraft, ground stations, and radio beacons.

Dr. Reyhan Baktu is an associate professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Utah State University (USU). Her research interests include antennas and microwave engineering with a focus on antenna design for CubeSats; optically transparent antennas; multifunctional integrated antennas, sensors, and microwave circuits. She is affiliated with the Center for Space Engineering at USU, the Space Dynamics Laboratory (the university-affiliated research center), and collaborates with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Baktur is an IEEE Antennas and Propagation (APS) Distinguished Lecturer of 2022-2024, AdCom member of IEEE APS, and is active in the US National Committee of the International Union of Radio Science, serving as the vice chair for commission B, and the inaugural chair of the Women in Radio Science. engineering.usu.edu/ece/people/faculty/baktur-reyhan