MP Antenna Solutions Improve Video Feed from Near Space

Feature Article by MP Antenna

Antennas

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 16 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
micro omni directional wifi antennas
Follow UST

In this case study, MP Antenna explains how it supplied wireless omnidirectional Micro Omni Antennas to meet the needs of a near space mission.


Problem

Spacecraft send and receive video feeds that contain mission-critical information. For example, although the US fleet of Space Shuttles is now retired, NASA required a daily inspection of the heat shield panels during spaceflight. Yet video antennas that relied upon Line Of Sight (LOS) could propagate signals with greater loss since the shuttle’s wings and tails represented obstructions.

With Non Line Of Sight (NLOS) conditions like these, high path loss and degradation can interfere with reliable communications. If the obstacles posed by a spacecraft’s structures are significant enough, communications may not be available in some locations. That can be a particular problem, and a risk factor, for safety-related inspections.

Not all video feeds are of the spacecraft itself, but Mission Control still wants to receive reliable video feeds regardless of content. For deep-space communications, spacecraft are equipped with large antenna arrays that project from the vehicle. For near space communications, small but rugged flush-mounted antennas with an omni-directional pattern are needed, but they must work well under NLOS conditions.

Solution

To meet the needs of a near space mission, MP Antenna supplied Micro Omni Antennas. These wireless omnidirectional antennas are ruggedized and have a small footprint and a low profile, important considerations for a vehicle that needs to survive launch and re-entry. Importantly, these compact antennas also provide increased throughput and signal stability in NLOS environments.

MP Micro Omni Antennas feature a patented, three-dimensional design element and are multi-polarized so that they can transmit and receive signals on more than just the vertical plane. In fact, these devices can leverage the infinite number of planes in three-dimensional space. That makes them ideal for NLOS conditions, even when a spacecraft instead of a skyscraper is the obstacle to reliable communications.

Unlike other antenna manufacturers, MP works with original equipment manufacturers to field-test its antenna products under application conditions. Because spacecraft need to meet especially rigorous requirements, laboratory testing alone is not enough. Whether you need to communicate under NLOS conditions from outer space or across town, contact MP Antenna.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Featured Content

New Tactical Grade IMU from Inertial Labs for UAVs & Guided Munitions

Inertial Labs has launched the IMU-H100, a compact, tactical-grade MEMS IMU designed to enhance precision navigation for UAVs and guided systems

May 08, 2025
Geolocation in GPS-Denied Environments Successfully Demonstrated

Trillium Engineering's GD-Loc, integrated with the HD55-MV gimbal on a Group 2 UAS, has successfully demonstrated sustained Category 1 geolocation accuracy within six meters, highlighting its critical advantage for precise ISR missions in GPS-denied environments

May 06, 2025
Spexi + LayerDrone: A New Era of Aerial Intelligence

Imagine a real-time, crowd-sourced map of Earth. Spexi, powered by LayerDrone, pays drone pilots to capture ultra-detailed imagery, offering organizations data that’s faster, cheaper, and more precise than traditional methods

Apr 29, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.