This summer, the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Aviation & Space Exploration (IRC-ASE) at KFUPM collaborated with the Antenna Research Centre laboratory (ARC) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, on a joint research initiative. 

This project is part of the academic research course RES-200: Independent Research, offered by KFUPM. 

Project Title: Microstrip Patch Antenna Design for Planetary Rovers: Earth Relay Communications.

The project aimed to design and test an antenna suitable for a Mars relay communication system, giving students exposure to real-world rover-to-satellite communication challenges.

Hussah Aldawish, an undergraduate in the Aerospace Engineering Department KFUPM , conducted her research under the supervision of Dr. BAZILAH BAHAROM, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow at IRC-ASE. 

The antenna was designed using CST Studio Suite on an FR-4 substrate (εr = 4.4) with a direct microstrip line feed. The design was simulated for reflection coefficient, gain, and radiation patterns, and then fabricated using laser-based PCB etching. The result of simulation and the antenna measurement shown in the figure below. 

She developed a novel slotted microstrip patch antenna inspired by the KFUPM logo, enabling: 

• Multiband performance 

• Antenna miniaturization 

• Improved impedance matching 

This internship provided hands-on experience with real-world space communication challenges and reflects the dedication and talent of KFUPM’s undergraduate researchers