Calibration of the JUICE RWI Antennas by Numerical Simulation

G. Fischer, M. Panchenko, W. Macher, Y. Kasaba, H. Misawa, M. Tokarz, L. Wisniewski, B. Cecconi, J. Bergman, J. E. Wahlund

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The reception properties of the Radio Wave Instrument (RWI) onboard JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) have been determined using numerical methods applied to a mesh-grid model of the spacecraft. The RWI is part of the RPWI (Radio and Plasma Wave Investigation) and consists of three perpendicular dipoles mounted on a long boom. We determined their effective lengths vectors and capacitive impedances of 8–9 pF. We also investigated the change in effective antenna angles as a function of solar panel rotation and calculated the directivity of the antennas at higher frequencies up to the maximum frequency of 45 MHz of the receiver. We found that the RWI dipoles can be used for direction-finding with an accuracy of (Formula presented.) up to a frequency of 1.5 MHz. Additionally we calculated the influence of strong pulses from the JUICE active radar on RPWI and found that they should do no harm to its sensors and receivers.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2021RS007309
JournalRadio Science
Volume56
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Nov

Keywords

  • JUICE
  • Radio Wave Instrument
  • antenna calibration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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