An initial study of using the 34-m antenna for lunar missions support

As a part of the long-range planning of future Mars and lunar missions, a rudimentary study has been made of a 34-m Cassegrain dual-shaped reflector antenna system with differentially pointed multiple beams. The performance loss mechanisms of the differentially pointed multiple-beam systems were identified and quantified. The goal is to determine the feasibility of using the 34-m antenna to support widely separated elements associated with lunar missions.