Log periodic folded slot array antenna for an autonomous cryobot synthetic aperture radar for subsurface exploration of Europa

摘要

In this paper a log periodic folded slot antenna array is described for a forward-looking synthetic aperture radar (IceSAR) system for the `Very deep Autonomous Laser-powered Kilowatt-class Yo-yoing Robotic Ice explorer' (VALKYRIE) cryobot project. Design and performance characterization of the log periodic antennas is presented along with a first light radar imagery obtained during in situ operation to prove the feasibility of this design for use in a cryobot obstacle avoidance and mapping system.