Displaced-axis-ellipse reflector antenna for spacecraft communications

Abstract

This work discusses the electrical characteristics of axially-symmetric dual-reflector antenna systems based on the Axially Displaced Ellipse (ADE) configuration, with emphasis on its application in compact high-gain high-efficiency spacecraft communication antennas. Relevant ADE electrical properties are compared with the corresponding characteristics of the Cassegrain geometry (a configuration commonly used in highgain spacecraft applications). It is shown that the ADE is capable of operating efficiently with electric apertures considerably smaller than the Cassegrain geometry, an important feature for small spacecraft. To demonstrate the outstanding electric performance that can be expected from the ADE, the predicted and measured results of an X-band 1250 mm aperture diameter prototype are presented.

Steerable Ka-band dual reflector antenna

“…The antenna has a uniform phase distribution across the aperture. A detailed example for the advantages of an antenna application with ADE configuration is introduced in [6]. In order to enhance the RF performance and to minimise the influence on the spacecraft the antenna was optimised.…”

E ‐band high aperture efficiency reflector antenna with adjustable beamwidth

“…Simulated directivity of 34.1 dBi corresponds to an aperture efficiency of 67%. In, 6 an X‐band 1.25 m aperture diameter ADE reflector for spacecraft communications is presented. The predicted directivity of the antenna was 38.0 dBi at 7.167 GHz, which corresponds to an aperture efficiency of about 70% 7 .…”

“…However, a variable beamwidth dual reflector antenna of ADE geometry has not been proposed. It has been found that the ADE reflector provides an excellent choice for compact high‐gain spacecraft antenna applications 6 . Therefore, it is meaningful to propose an ADE variable beamwidth reflector antenna.…”

Axially displaced elliptical reflector antenna design with a switchable feeder for ultra‐wide band applications

“…During the construction of the antenna, the designer situates the sub-reflector inside the aperture of the parabola. This is relatively easy because the focus points of ADE are quite flexible; this provides less depth to the antenna [18].…”