Systematic Evidence of Progressive Workflow Discontinuities in CubeSat Microstrip Antenna Design: From Electromagnetic Optimization to System Integration

Altamirano S.F.S.; Vera C.L.O.; Paredes V.P.P.; Cabrera L.I.C.; Cabrera L.E.O.D.C.; Tavara C.E.S.; Cardenas D.M.C. · IEEE Access (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/access.2026.3684032

Resumen

This systematic review of 79 CubeSat antenna studies reveals a progressive 'workflow attrition cascade' (68%→ 70 %→ 87 %→ 92 %) wherein electromagnetic design sophistication systematically decouples from deployment-ready system integration. While CubeSats demand reliable communication under severe constraints, our PRISMA 2020-compliant synthesis demonstrates that current research workflows rarely translate theoretical optimization into mission readiness. Specifically, 68% of studies omit critical simulation documentation, 70% rely on single-domain experimental validation inadequate for space qualification, 87% fail to achieve full thermal-mechanical integration of feeding elements, and 92% lack environmental qualification during fabrication. Rather than reflecting technical inability, this attrition highlights systemic gaps between component-level design and system-level engineering, exacerbated by academic incentives and resource constraints. Addressing these discontinuities requires a paradigm shift from isolated electromagnetic optimization toward concurrent multiphysics integration, establishing validated workflows essential for transitioning CubeSat payloads from experimental demonstrations to operational multi-year constellations.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo