Reduction of satellite electromagnetic scattering by carbon nanostructured multilayers

• A stealth satellite covered by layered radar absorbing materials is analyzed.
• The electromagnetic cloak operates in the frequency range 2–18 GHz.
• Nanostructured composites are used and low cost nanomaterials are taken into account.
• Several frequency ranges exhibit a reflection under −20 dB from the optimization.
• FEM simulations of the scattered electric field show the microwave absorption.

We propose a low observable satellite covered by layered materials. The dielectric properties of the composite materials are analyzed using the coaxial air-line method. Our solution could result in cost-effective applications for satellite stealthness. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to design and optimize layered absorbers. The obtained reflection is below −20 dB in many frequency subranges, also under an oblique incident condition, within the band 2–18 GHz. The optimized layered absorbers are used as a cloak for cube satellites. In particular, we investigated a very simple geometry by using a finite element commercial software in the band from 2 to 18. Finally, the transmission through an aperture on the satellite surface is analyzed. It is highlighted that the optimized layered absorbers attenuate the electric field within the satellite, improving its immunity against electromagnetic interferences.