A novel reflectarray for smart X-band satellite antenna

CNES and Thales Airborne Systems (TAS) have developed a new reflectarray antenna with electronic beam scanning for space applications. This paper describes phase shifter technology and antenna architecture. An engineering model in X-band frequency was designed and manufactured by TAS and was measured in the CNES Compact Antenna Test Range. The paper deals with antenna performances (gain, cross-polarization discrimination ...) and proposes a flight model design.