MAI Successfully Tests Relay Satellite Antenna for Venus Mission
The system is designed to transmit scientific data across hundreds of millions of kilometers of space.
Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) has successfully tested the antenna of a small relay satellite being developed for Russia's Venera-D mission. The cubesat will serve as a communications link between other research vehicles operating near Venus and Earth.
"During the mission, the cubesat will relay photographs, telemetry, and other scientific data from Russian balloons and surface vehicles on Venus back to Earth. The specially designed antenna, based on a reflectarray architecture, will enable fast and reliable data transmission across hundreds of millions of kilometers of space," university representatives said.
The tests were conducted in a specialized facility designed to eliminate radio-wave reflections from walls and other surfaces. The results confirmed that the antenna meets all of its stated performance specifications.
