Aerogel for Multipactor Mitigation in RF Passive Components of Satellite Payloads

We investigate the use of aerogel to fill passive resonant components, encountered in the high-power stage of satellite payloads as a multipactor mitigation strategy. The study focuses on the <tex-math notation="LaTeX">L</tex-math> -band coaxial resonators filled with aerogel powder. Simulated and experimental results are used for the low-power characterization of the dielectric properties of different aerogel compositions and granular distributions. Experimental investigations on the venting and outgassing features that provide guidance for the preparation and handling of the aerogel-filled components are reported. Simulation and experimental results involving high-power test campaigns indicate strong potential for improving the multipactor threshold using the proposed approach.