PhD Defence Magnus Brandt Møller

Principal supervisor

• Associate professor Samel Arslanagic, DTU Space

Co-supervisors

• Principal Technology Advisor Erik Jørgensen, Ticra, DK
• Ph.D. Olav Breinbjerg, Elmareco, DK

Examiners

• Professor Niels Gregersen, DTU Electro
• Professor Mats Gustafsson, Lund University, Sweden
• Professor Matthys Botha, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Chairperson at defence

• Professor Jørgen Dall, DTU Space

Summary

In recent years, the satellite industry has embarked on a transformative journey, shifting from traditional, large spacecrafts in geostationary orbit to smaller constellations in low-Earth orbits. This shift has necessitated a move from bulky reflector or dish-like antennas to lighter phased-array antennas. These arrays consist of hundreds to thousands of small antennas working together to steer electromagnetic waves in any desired direction, without the need for mechanical movement.

This PhD project has focused on developing a computer algorithm that significantly reduces the time needed to assess the performance of these antenna arrays with thousands of elements compared to existing methods. The underlying algorithm, known as the Higher-Order Array Decomposition Method (HO-ADM), has been tailored to meet the satellite industry's needs by offering speed while simultaneously meeting the stringent accuracy requirements for space applications.

To do so, the HO-ADM utilizes advanced mathematical techniques such as the Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) to reduce computation time and computer memory needed, achieving remarkable speeds without sacrificing accuracy. The enhanced computational efficiency facilitates the production of powerful yet less heavy array antennas with many densely packed elements, making it possible to create more efficient and compact antennas that reduce launch costs and pave the way for more innovative space missions. For example, the HO-ADM has proven its value by reducing simulation time from hours to mere minutes for a complex, state of-the-art antenna array designed for a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa.

In summary, in this PhD project a robust, fast, and accurate, and versatile tool to aid industry in the design of future satellite antennas has been developed. The HO-ADM marks a significant leap forward in antenna array analysis, shortening the time to market and enabling more sophisticated satellite payloads with enhanced performance and flexibility. With the HO-ADM, researchers and engineers now have a more efficient and highly accurate tool at hand to tackle the challenges of future global telecommunications, deep space exploration, and Earth's climate monitoring.