Space antennas: design, analysis and measurement challenges

Modern technological demands necessitates utilization of sophisticated antenna configurations as an integral part of future satellite communications and scientific payloads. A typical configuration consists of multi offset reflector antennas illuminated by feed arrays operating at various frequency bands. Additionally, it is desired to use large reflector antennas providing improved link performances and high resolutions for various applications. An overview of representative recent advances in large antenna design, analysis and measurements are presented. Examples of recent developments of mesh deployable and inflatable reflector antennas are given.