Sidelobe Levels Attainable in Small-Aperture Antennas

The efficient utilization of the synchronous orbit for satellite communications is highly dependent on the spacing between satellites. This spacing in turn is a function of several parameters, one of which is the performance of the earth station antennas which will be using that satellite. In particular, the FCC has adopted the formula that the allowable sidelobe levels from measured patterns of antennas in any off-axis direction be such that G(θ) < 32-25 log θdBi for 1 ⩽ θ ⩽48°and G(θ) < -10 dBi for 48° < θ.