VHF antenna systems for spin-stabilized satellites

Lincoln Laboratory has developed two circularly polarized VHF antenna systems for use on spin-stabilized satellites, Both are described, and test results are discussed. One is a low-gain (3-dB) antenna with omnidirectional coverage in the equatorial plane. The second is a high-gain (10-dB) antenna with a despun beam electronically scanned to always be Earth directed. Development of the component dipole and slot array elements is explained, and performance data are given for the final flight configuration.