Title :
The IRIDIUM(R) Main Mission Antenna concept
Author :
Schuss, J.J. ; Upton, J. ; Myers, B. ; Sikina, T. ; Rohwer, A. ; Makridakis, P. ; Francois, R. ; Wardle, L. ; Kreutel, W. ; Smith, R.
Author_Institution :
Raytheon Co., Wayland, MA, USA
Abstract :
The objective of the IRIDIUM program is to achieve a global personal satellite communication system based on a network of 66 communications satellites placed in low earth orbits. A key component of each of these satellites is the Main Mission Antenna (MMA), which consists of 3 fully active phased array panels, and provides the L-band link from the satellite to the ground users. Each phased array panel produces 16 beams, for a total of 48 beams per satellite, with users on the ground communicating with the IRIDIUM network through the satellite whose beam covers the user. The link quality and capacity specifications of the IRIDIUM system place unusual requirements on the MMA. These requirements have led to the synthesis of a novel electromagnetic and structural architecture for the MMA panels. Each MMA panel contains over 100 lightweight patch radiators.
Keywords :
active antenna arrays; antenna phased arrays; microstrip antenna arrays; mobile satellite communication; multibeam antennas; personal communication networks; satellite antennas; IRIDIUM(R); L-band; Main Mission Antenna concept; active phased array panels; communications satellites; global personal satellite communication system; low earth orbit; Antenna accessories; Antenna arrays; Artificial satellites; Electromagnetic radiation; L-band; Low earth orbit satellites; Network synthesis; Phased arrays; Satellite antennas; Satellite communication;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1996. AP-S. Digest
Conference_Location :
Baltimore, MD, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3216-4
DOI :
10.1109/APS.1996.549915
