Compact phased array for small LEO satellite

A conical patch array configuration for satisfying both the structure and gain requirement of an LEO satellite antenna is proposed. A synthesis approach based on an element by element method for a non-planar conical array is presented. Simulation results show that if a well-focused beam is required, the phase-shifter at each array element should be used for the compensation of the curvature effect. It also shows that the Taylor distribution can be used to obtain an acceptable radiation pattern.