Helical antenna for satellite transmission†

The use of helical antennas for satellite transmission is proposed. The polar diagram, directivity and polarization characteristics are outlined. The advantages of circularly and elliptically polarized waves transmitted from the helical antenna for Faraday rotation experiments are discussed. The use of helical array is comparatively more compact, radiation characteristics are frequency independent and the polarization of the radiated wave is more stable. These features enable an accurate measurement of the Faraday rotation which is likely to yield a better estimate of total electron content.