X-band microstrip array antenna in suspended technology

Future spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments for high resolution mapping of the Earth will require dual polarised phased array antennas with large frequency bandwidths and high efficiencies. A novel type of dual polarized microstrip array antenna has been developed for C or X band SAR application. The radiating element is made of two perpendicular grids which gives a reduced surface area and good port to port and cross-polarisation isolation. An array of these elements working at X-band has been manufactured in flight representative suspended technology. The technology is based on thin dielectric layers suspended in air which reduces losses and surface wave coupling.