Performance analysis and implementation of spatial and blind beamforming algorithms for tracking LEO satellites with adaptive antenna arrays

Nowadays, earth stations for downloading data from LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites use large reflector antennas, which pose a number of impairments. In that context, antenna arraying techniques and smart antennas appear as an improvement in performance. This paper presents a comparative study of several beamforming algorithms on a test-bed platform and ideas about the calibration and signal tracking topics. The overall structure is based upon a software defined radio (SDR) receiver. For our simulations and measures we will consider the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) satellites and more specifically the APT (Automatic Picture Transmission) signal.