Very long microstrip array feeds of a membrane reflector for the advanced precipitation radar

Very long microstrip arrays have been developed at the Ku-band and Ka-band frequencies. Each array, having an electrical length of about 110 free-space wavelengths, is used to feed a deployable thin-membrane cylindrical reflector for a spaceborne precipitation radar application. These arrays, designed for 0° and 30° fixed beam directions, achieved peak sidelobes of -20 dB and average sidelobes below -30 dB with peak cross-pol levels below -20 dB. Several unique challenges were encountered during the technology prototype development of these very long arrays, such as the strong coupling between very long power divider lines, the strong leakage radiation from the lengthy transmission lines, and the lack of computer analysis capability of these electrically large arrays.