Optimizing an Antenna Array for Satellite Communications

Phased arrays steer their main beam electronically rather than by mechanical means. An array that communicates with satellites must have the ability to maintain contact with the satellite from horizon to zenith. The array, in particular its tilt angle, size, frequency, transmit power, and element spacing, determines the amount of signal received from the satellite during its orbit. This paper shows how to optimize the array design for a given satellite system using a genetic algorithm.