Optimal Design Framework for Distributed Array Using Magnetically-Actuated Satellite Swarm

Abstract

Distributed space antennas using electromagnetic formation flight (EMFF) are a promising architecture for large-aperture, long-life space communication systems. Their feasible aperture, however, is governed by coupled constraints on antenna performance, satellite mass, power generation, coil geometry, and formation-keeping power. This paper proposes a system-level design framework for EMFF-based distributed space antennas. It links phased-array requirements with satellite-level sizing constraints and provides a static grid-based reference for designing feasible apertures under a fixed system mass. Unlike our previous bucket-brigade disturbance-compensation model, the formation-maintenance requirement is incorporated through a control index derived from distributed-control simulations. This index is integrated into an antenna-aperture maximization problem with sizing, power, coil, and sidelobe-envelope constraints. Parametric case studies examine margin magnetic moment, prescribed transmit power, and large inter-satellite spacing. Results show that increasing system mass improves footprint reduction or effective isotropic radiated power only while satellite-level design headroom remains. In direct-to-device cases with 0.15 m spacing, generated-power and coil-geometry constraints dominate the feasible aperture. In the 0.60 m large-spacing case, the required coil burden can exceed satellite-level mass, size, and power capacities, making the design infeasible despite favorable communication performance. The proposed framework enables the design and evaluation of feasible static grid-based EMFF distributed antennas under coupled antenna, satellite, and control constraints.