Active subarray module development for Ka band satellite communication systems

Due to the demand for increased satellite communication capacity, new satellite communication technologies operating at Ka band are being investigated in the United States and abroad. The recent launching of ACTS communication satellite by NASA and on-going communication experiments at Ka band, will provide momentum for future launching of Ka band satellites. These satellites will provide wide band communication channels to fixed and mobile terminals. For aircraft to satellite communications, conformal electronically scanned phased arrays are preferred over reflector antennas for improved satellite tracking and to reduce life cycle cost, size, weight and aerodynamic drag. This paper describes development of a low profile 4/spl times/4 element subarray module which can be used as a building block for large arrays. These modules will be used in an array configuration to demonstrate mobile satellite communication link between ACTS satellite and the aircraft.<>