Communication satellite antenna testing

Communication satellite systems necessarily require multi-disciplinary tests to assure and maintain effective system operation. This overview summarizes the overall testing for satellite communication systems and describes the subset of antenna and antenna-related testing in particular. Antenna test requirements address both RF and environmental specifications that include both launch and on-orbit extremes for space systems and wind and climate conditions for ground systems. In addition to characterizing antenna performance, other system test requirements have antenna- related measurements and test requirements.