Pattern correction in large deployable reflector antennas with phased array feed

Recently, engineers have focused on developing mobile satellite communications systems using GEO, MEO and LEO satellites. We are now studying an on-board antenna for future S-band mobile satellite communications using hand-held terminals. This antenna is carried on a GEO satellite, and consists of a large deployable mesh reflector and a primary feed using an active phased array. It has the advantage of beam forming flexibility. For example, when its radiation pattern changes due to an amplifier problem, we can obtain the desired pattern by adjusting the only excitation phase of the array feed. We first present the satellite antenna´s configuration, then describe pattern correction by adjusting the excitation phase of the array feed.