A dual-band dual-polarized array for spaceborne SAR

This paper will describe the development of a dual-frequency SAR array operating in the L and C bands, with dual linear polarization capability in both bands. This array shares the same radiating aperture for both bands and both polarizations, resulting in the smallest possible aperture area for a given gain specification. A critical constraint in this project was the requirement for an extremely light weight package, leading to the use of foam substrates with thin dielectric membranes for metalization of the radiating elements and feed networks.