Workshop 4: Satellite communication antennas: Challenges for the next generation payloads

Satellite communications has recently introduced several new services in the recent past. These include local-channel broadcast for direct broadcast satellite service (DBS), high capacity K/Ka-band personal communication satellite (PCS) service, hosted payloads, mobile satellite services using very large deployable reflectors, high power hybrid satellites etc. All these satellite services are driven by the operators need to reduce the cost of satellite and pack more capability into a single satellite launch. Antenna sub-system design, mechanical packaging on the spacecraft and RF performance are very critical for these satellites. This talk will cover recent developments in the areas of antenna systems for FSS, BSS, PCS, & MSS satellite communications. Advanced antenna system designs for contoured beams, multiple beams, and reconfigurable beams will be presented. Multiple beam antenna (MBA) concepts and their advantages compared to conventional contoured beam payloads will be introduced. Next generation satellite systems for navigational and high frequency payloads require advanced antenna systems to meet the demanding requirements in terms of generating plurality of beams from a single antenna, on-orbit beam re-configurability, multiple band operation, and low-loss antennas. The talk will focus on existing technologies, limitations, advantages of the next generation payloads, RF performance and hardware implementation challenges. A dual-band antenna working at very high frequencies for future payloads capable of a ten-fold increase in satellite capacity will be discussed. Recent advances in feed technology and reflector technology will be addressed with few examples. Topics such as antenna designs for high capacity satellites, large deployable mesh reflector designs, low PIM designs, and power handling issues will be included. Advanced test methods for high power TVAC test of satellite payloads using “pick-up horn absorber loads” will be presented. Future trends in the satellite communications including use of higher frequency bands and navigational payloads will be discussed. At the end of this talk, engineers will be exposed to typical requirements, designs, hardware, software, and test methods for various satellite antennas.