S-band shaped beam antenna for Indian Remote Sensing Satellite - IRS

This paper reports the development of a new shaped beam antenna for remote sensing satellite data transmission applications at S-band. For medium altitude, near earth satellites such as those used in remote sensing applications in sun-synchronous mode, data transmission link can be optimised for the whole pass of the satellite by making the antenna pattern profile vary so as to compensate for the path loss profile - i.e., the pattern profile becomes an inversion of the path loss profile. Such an antenna pattern, having all other parameters fixed, provides a uniform data level throughout the pass. The present development is for a similar application for an Indian Remote Sensing Satellite and this development provides for 6.5 dBi gain with higher polarisation purity using a shaped reflector and helical feeding system.