K- and K/sub A/-band satellite-tracking, small reflector vehicular antenna system for mobile satellite service

The authors describe the development of the K- and K/sub a/-band mobile-vehicular satellite-tracking reflector antenna system for NASA's ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT) task. ACTS is NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite. The US Space Shuttle will launch ACTS into its geostationary orbit in 1993 at 100 deg West longitude, above the mid-Western US. The AMT antenna system consists of a mechanically steered small reflector antenna, with a shared aperture for both K and K/sub a/ frequency bands and fitting under a radome of 23 cm diameter and 10 cm height, and a microprocessor-controlled that keeps the antenna pointed toward the satellite as the vehicle moves about. The RF and mechanical characteristics of the antenna and the antenna tracking control system are discussed. Measurements of the antenna performance are presented.<
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