Embodiments of a wide band multi-polarization antenna system are described, which can be attached to the back or front of a soldier's vest or backpack. The antenna system can allow for release of pre-shaped integral radiating elements that spring into a geometric configuration suitable for circular polarization radiation or linear polarization over a desired band of frequencies. The antenna system can provide, when collapsed, linear polarized line-of sight capability over a wide band of frequencies. In a collapsed low-profile state, the antenna system can remain on the soldier, but out of the way for maneuvering.

Novel and advantageous antennas are provided. A multi-functional antenna can morph in order to change geometrical shape and thereby change its antenna radiation characteristics. Such characteristics can include radiation pattern, bandwidth, beamwidth, operational frequency, and directivity. The antenna can therefore be multifunctional such that one single antenna can serve multiple applications.

A radiofrequency antenna is adapted to be mounted on a spacecraft. The radiofrequency antenna includes four helical strands of a super elastic shape memory alloy and is configured to move from a deployed configuration to a constrained stacking configuration and to return autonomously to the deployed configuration.

Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures. The antenna structures may include any combination of shape memory composites, inflatable envelopes, and/or degradable materials.

A helix antenna and methods of making and using helix antenna to concurrently or independently radiate pulses in a very high frequency (VHF) band in a range of about 240 MHz to about 270 MHz and/or in an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band in a range of about 360 MHz to about 380 MHz which can be useful in space to ground data transmissions, subsurface radar, and measurement of ice and snow pack.

A support structure for space-based antennas. The structure includes a boom and core and spacer boards disposed along a length of the boom. The boom extends through an opening in each board. Antenna elements are attached to core boards. A top board is rotatably affixed to a first end of the boom and a bottom board affixed to a base surface of a stow tube in which all the elements are stored prior to deployment. A material of the antenna elements comprises a flexible material, allowing the elements to be stowed in a restricted volume of the stow tube prior to deployment into an operational configuration. Tension cords, disposed longitudinally along the boom and attached to each one of the core and spacer boards, are tensioned after deployment to ensure the core boards and the antenna elements thereon are spaced apart as required.

Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures including shape memory composite components. An example antenna structure includes a base structure comprising a shape memory component; a conductive component; and a support structure creating an inflatable sleeve. The support structure may be configured to support the conductive material and the base structure. The support structure and base structure may work together to deploy the deployable antenna from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration. An exemplary method of deploying an antenna structure may include storing the antenna structure in a stored configuration; inflating an inflatable sleeve with an inflation gas to transition the antenna structure from the stored configuration to a deployed configuration defining an antenna shape; and retaining the deployed configuration defining the antenna shape with the shape memory component.

Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures. The antenna structures may include any combination of shape memory composites, inflatable envelopes, and/or degradable materials.

Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures including shape memory composite components.