Design characterization of an electronic steerable Ka-band antenna using liquid crystal phase shifters

Modern high data rate satellite communication systems increasingly utilize the Ka-band due to its ability to support higher bandwidth. Prior research work presented a copper-galvanically produced Ka-band horn array antenna and associated waveguide distribution network, mounted on a two axes mechanical steerable mechanism (LISA
_MS
) for use aboard fast, low earth orbiting satellites. The current project, LISAES, investigates the feasibility of a similar horn array antenna, but fitted with liquid crystal phase shifters in the transmission path of each horn, which now allow steering of the antenna boresight through beam forming without the use of mechanically moving parts.