Under-Rover Ultra-Wide Band Non-Contact Ground Penetrating Radar Antenna

Creating a ground penetrating radar (GPR) antenna for both Earth and planetary science applications requires high efficiency, robust operational frequency, as well as low size, weight, and power (SWaP) features. Furthermore, the value of an antenna that provides these core competencies and that is versatile enough to be integrated on numerous platforms is of high value to NASA and the commercial space industry. The benefits of such technology could enable the characterization of lunar lava tubes, subsurface water-ice, and the location of planetary ore deposits in a manner that is both affordable and simple to integrate with larger systems. The challenge is that this solution does not currently exist in the market. Choosing a solution that meets these criteria often requires combining multiple antennas, thereby increasing SWaP and complexity. The proposed antenna solution intends to resolve this challenge, and the proposing team of Astrobotic Technology, Inc. (Astrobotic) and the Ohio State University (OSU) have the expertise and technological development to do so. The performance and operational requirements of the proposed antenna are summarized as follows:Extremely wide operating frequency range from 120 MHz to 2000 MHz (bandwidth of 16:1)Effective ground coupling from a clearance of 8 cm ndash; 20 cmVery low profile for ease of mounting under a mobile platformLow antenna ringing with good radiation efficiencyGround-independent antenna impedance matching conditionLow sidelobe and backlobe above ground to minimize impacts from mounting different platformsCompact size (less than 75 cm (L) times; 26 cm (W) times; 7 cm (H)Simple lightweight structure (~300g)Space qualified in accordance with the thermal vacuum, shock, and vibration mission environments