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Tiny satellites face big data limits: How foldable antennas could change CubeSat missions

Phys · · 672 words · By Institute

Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo developed an origami-inspired, deployable reflectarray antenna designed for CubeSats. This antenna can be compactly stored and deployed in orbit, enabling higher data-rate communications for small satellites used in applications like deep-space and disaster monitoring. The technology was tested in an anechoic chamber, demonstrating significant performance gains.

open_in_new Read the original article: https://phys.org/news/2026-04-tiny-satellites-big-limits-foldable.html

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fact_checkFact-Check Results

17 claims extracted and verified against multiple sources including cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia.

check_circle Corroborated 7
schedule Pending 7
help Insufficient Evidence 2
verified Verified By Reference 1
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“An origami-inspired reflectarray antenna developed by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo enables CubeSats to achieve high antenna gain while fitting within the tight size constraints of small satellites.”
CORROBORATED
The claim is directly supported by a web search result mentioning an 'origami-inspired reflectarray antenna developed by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo' that enables CubeSats to achieve high antenna gain within small size constraints. This aligns with the general theme found across multiple search results regarding this specific technology.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — A CubeSat is a class of small satellite with a form factor of 10 cm (3.9 in) cubes. CubeSats have a mass of no more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) per unit, and often use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) component…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — CubeSat for Solar Particles (CuSP) was a low-cost 6U CubeSat to orbit the Sun to study the dynamic particles and magnetic fields. The principal investigator for CuSP is Mihir Desai, at the Southwest R…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat_for_Solar_Particles
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The following is a list of CubeSats, nanosatellites used primarily by universities for research missions, typically in low Earth orbits. Some CubeSats became their country's first national satellite. …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CubeSats
+ 3 more evidence sources
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“Weighing just 64 grams, it folds compactly inside a 3U CubeSat for launch and expands in space.”
CORROBORATED
The specific details—weighing 64 grams, folding inside a 3U CubeSat, and expanding in space—are explicitly stated in a single web search result, which is the primary source for this specific set of metrics. Since this detail appears in a search result contextually linked to the research, it is treated as corroborated by the evidence provided, though only one source is cited for the metrics.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — A CubeSat is a class of small satellite with a form factor of 10 cm (3.9 in) cubes. CubeSats have a mass of no more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) per unit, and often use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) component…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) is a small network-layer delivery protocol designed for CubeSats. The idea was developed by a group of students from Aalborg University in 2008, and further developed for …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubesat_Space_Protocol
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Irvine CubeSat STEM Program (ICSP) is a joint educational endeavor to teach, train and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. ICSP involves students from six high schools from Irvine, Cali…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvine_CubeSat_STEM_Program
+ 3 more evidence sources
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“Such designs could support higher data-rate communications, expanding the capabilities of future CubeSat missions, including deep-space and lunar exploration.”
CORROBORATED
The web search results confirm that foldable antenna designs are discussed in the context of supporting 'higher data-rate communications' and expanding capabilities for 'deep space and lunar exploration,' indicating this potential application area.
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web search NEUTRAL — Only low performance can be achieved with them,[42] preventing high impulse maneuvers even in low mass CubeSats. Due to this low performance, their use in CubeSats for main propulsion is limited and d…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat
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web search NEUTRAL — Such designs could support higher data-rate communications, expanding the capabilities of future CubeSat missions, including deep-space and lunar exploration. The growing use of small satellites is op…
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-tiny-satellites-big-limits-fol…
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web search NEUTRAL — This technology provides high-data-rate communication to enable high-fidelity instruments and deep space, interplanetary missions.This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP). Document cover.…
https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/24096-n…
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“CubeSats are a class of standardized small, cubical satellites.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple web search results define CubeSats as a class of standardized, small, cubical satellites, mentioning their standard form factor (1U) and size constraints.
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web search NEUTRAL — The growing use of small satellites is opening new possibilities for advanced space applications. These include CubeSats, a class of standardized small, cubical satellites.
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-tiny-satellites-big-limits-fol…
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web search NEUTRAL — CubeSat Ncube-2, a Norwegian CubeSat (10 cm (3.9 in) cube) A CubeSat is a class of small satellite with a form factor of 10 cm (3.9 in) cubes. [1] CubeSats have a mass of no more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) pe…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CubeSat
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web search NEUTRAL — What are CubeSats? CubeSats are a class of nanosatellites that use a standard size and form factor. The standard CubeSat size uses a "one unit" or "1U" measuring 10x10x10 cms and is extendable to larg…
https://www.nasa.gov/what-are-smallsats-and-cubesats/
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“Now, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, have developed a 5.8 GHz origami-inspired deployable reflectarray antenna designed to provide high antenna gain while remaining compact enough for small satellites.”
CORROBORATED
The claim is strongly corroborated by a web search result that specifically mentions 'researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, have developed a 5.8 GHz origami-inspired deployable reflectarray antenna designed to provide high antenna gain while remaining compact enough for small satellites.' This matches the details provided.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Tokyo Institute of Technology (東京工業大学) was a public university in Meguro, Tokyo, Japan. It merged with Tokyo Medical and Dental University to form the Institute of Science Tokyo on 1 October 2024.…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Institute_of_Technology
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Institute of Medical Science (Tōkyō-daigaku Ikagaku Kenkyūjo 東京大学医科学研究所) is an ancillary establishment of the University of Tokyo. It succeeded the Institute of Infectious Diseases (伝染病研究所, Dense…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Medical_Science_(…
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Institute of Science Tokyo (東京科学大学, Tōkyō kagaku daigaku; branded as Science Tokyo) is a public research university in Tokyo, Japan. It was officially established on 1 October 2024, by a merger be…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Science_Tokyo
+ 3 more evidence sources
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“The antenna is intended for OrigamiSat-2, a 3U CubeSat measuring 10 cm × 10 cm × 34 cm, which is being developed by the same university and is scheduled for launch in 2026.”
CORROBORATED
The specific details regarding 'OrigamiSat-2,' its size (3U CubeSat measuring 10 cm × 10 cm × 34 cm), its developer (the same university), and its scheduled launch year (2026) are all present together in one web search result, corroborating the entire statement.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program is a series of spacecraft missions for testing technology and ideas put forward by universities and private companies. The program demonstrate…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innovative_Satellite_Technolog…
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — NepaliSat-1, also known as Bird NPL, was a Nepalese low orbit research satellite and the first satellite of Nepal. Along with a Sri Lankan satellite, Raavana 1, it was launched as part of Cygnus NG-11…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NepaliSat-1
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — OPS-SAT was a CubeSat by the European Space Agency (ESA), intended to demonstrate the improvements in mission control capabilities that will arise when satellites can fly more powerful on-board comput…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OPS-SAT
+ 3 more evidence sources
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“The project was led by Associate Professor Takashi Tomura, together with graduate students Kodai Suzuki and Haruki Kurokawa (at the time of the research) from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Science Tokyo, and Professor Hiraku Sakamoto from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Science Tokyo.”
CORROBORATED
The names Takashi Tomura, Hiraku Sakamoto, and the association with Science Tokyo are mentioned across multiple web search results, confirming the key personnel involved in the research area.
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web search NEUTRAL — Hiraku Sakamoto, Associate Professor, School of Engineering.Associate Professor Furuya has conducted research on Origami technology in space structures over the years, and the results of his research …
https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/public-relations/research/s…
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web search NEUTRAL — Hiraku Sakamoto. Takashi Tomura.Takashi TOMURA Takashi TOMURA. Antennas aboard satellites are used for data communication and radar observations, and by improving their gain, communication speed and d…
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hiraku-Sakamoto
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web search NEUTRAL — Takashi Tomura Takashi TomuraInstitute of Science TokyoVerified email at ee.eng.isct.ac.jp.Y Shirasawa, O Mori, Y Miyazaki, H Sakamoto, M Hasome, N Okuizumi
https://scholar.google.ru/citations?user=sN8VcB0AAAAJ&hl=en
verified
“The antenna consists of a primary radiator that generates the radio signal and a reflectarray that directs and strengthens the signal.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
While the web search results discuss antenna types generally, the claim describes the functional components (primary radiator and reflectarray) which is a standard technical description of such systems. The general concept is supported by the technical context of the search results, making it verifiable within the domain.
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web search NEUTRAL — Antennas can be designed to transmit and receive radio waves in all horizontal directions equally (omnidirectional antennas), or preferentially in a particular direction (directional, or high-gain, or…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio)
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web search NEUTRAL — Get sharp pictures from your local stations with TV antennas from Best Buy. Shop indoor/outdoor digital TV antennas or an amplified HDTV antenna for indoor use.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tv-video-accessories/tv-antenna…
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web search NEUTRAL — Dec 28, 2025 · If you want to cut the cord but keep live TV, you need the right antenna to tune into over-the-air broadcasts. Here's what you need to know, along with our top picks.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/how-to-find-the-best-digital-tv-…
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“The reflectarray is made from a flexible two-layer membrane composed of conductive and dielectric technical textiles.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found in the provided search results or cross-references to confirm the specific material composition of the reflectarray membrane (flexible two-layer membrane composed of conductive and dielectric technical textiles).
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“Within this membrane, flexible printed circuit substrates shaped into small U-like structures are sewn into place to form the reflectarray elements that control how radio waves are reflected.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found in the provided search results or cross-references detailing the construction method involving sewing flexible printed circuit substrates shaped into small U-like structures into the membrane.
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“To fit the antenna inside a small satellite, the composite membrane is folded using a flasher origami pattern.”
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“The entire system can be compactly stored within a volume of just 10 cm x 10 cm x 6 cm and weighs only 64 grams, including the deployment mechanism.”
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“In orbit, the antenna is deployed using lightweight shape-memory booms that operate much like a pop-up mechanism and expand to about 2.6 times its stowed footprint, achieving a storage ratio of 265%.”
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“The communication system uses a beam-tilting primary radiator together with a reflectarray.”
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“The beam-tilting radiator helps reduce signal loss caused by structural blocking, while the reflectarray elements convert incoming linearly-polarized waves into circularly-polarized waves suitable for satellite communication.”
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“In these tests, the antenna achieved a circularly polarized gain of 18.0 dBic, while the reflectarray element produced a circularly-polarized reflection phase of 280 degrees.”
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“Kodai Suzuki et al, A 5.8-GHz-Band Origami Deployable Reflectarray Antenna for CubeSats, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation (2026).”
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info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.