MESSENGER mission: first electronically steered antenna for deep space communications

Bokulic, R.S.; Fielhauer, Karl B.; Wallis, R.E.; Cheng, Sheng; Edwards, M.L.; Stilwell, R.K.; Perm, Josk; Bruzzi, J.R.; Malouf, P.M.

doi:10.1109/aero.2004.1367921

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 4 publications

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“…Medium-gain (fanbeam) and low-gain antennas are used for uplink and low-gain downlink during cruise phase and emergency. The RF Telecommunication system, including the other antennas, are described elsewhere [1].…”

Section: Technology Advancementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Microwave Technology for the MESSENGER Mission to Mercury

Wallis

Cheng

Malouf

et al. 2007

2007 IEEE/MTT-S International Microwave Symposium

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The MESSENGER spacecraft, designed to orbit the planet Mercury, uses the first electronically scanned phasedarray antenna for a deep-space telecommunication application. Two lightweight phased arrays, mounted on opposite sides of the spacecraft, provide the high-gain downlink coverage. Mediumgain antennas are used for uplink and downlink during cruise phase. The invention of a method for achieving circular polarization in a high-temperature (+3000 C) environment has doubled the science return of the mission relative to the inherent linear polarization from a slotted waveguide array. Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits and discrete Heterostructure Field Effect Transistors are integrated to provide the highefficiency X-band Solid-State Power Amplifier.Index Terms -Microwave power amplifiers, phased arrays, scanning antennas.

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Section: Technology Advancementsmentioning

confidence: 99%