Reflectors, lenses and horns: past, present and future

The pioneering work of Maxwell (1864), Hertz (1888), Marconi (1895), Jansky (1948) and many other prominent researchers brought us the age of personal communications and sophisticated astronomical observations. The technological demands in fulfilling these dreams are vast and cover a multi-disciplinary usage of broad-based innovative engineering developments. Among the prominent technological challenges the applications of high performance antenna designs are one of the prime elements of the successful implementations of these systems. Reflector, lens and horn antennas are an integral part of both the satellite payload and a key component in the radio astronomy and remote sensing radar. This article looks at the historical events and then highlights several exciting developments by providing an overview of modern developments in the arenas of communications, remote sensing, radio astronomy, etc.