Arrayed fed multiple beam reflector antenna system and beam generation method

摘要

Array fed multiple beam antenna systems and methods for use on an orbiting spacecraft carrying a communication system. The antenna systems include a reflector and a relatively small array feed compared to the reflector. The array feed has feeds (radiators) that illuminate the reflector and that are disposed in a focal plane of the reflector. A power division network excites the radiators of the feeds. The antenna system is capable of very wide scan angle operation and may be used to provide multiple spot beam coverage over the surface of the Earth viewed from a synchronous orbit spacecraft. <IMAGE>