Phased-array antennas for inter-satellite links

Antennas are key components of inter-satellite links (ISLs). To achieve the necessary antenna gains with modest physical size, directional Ka or V Band antennas are required that may be steered throughout the duration of the ISL. This paper considers options for ISL antennas on low-earth orbit satellites that avoid any mechanical steering. A linear array of phased feed elements is assumed, operating in conjunction with a shaped reflector, that allows the antenna beam to be steered. Two types of shaped reflector are described and promising results from geometric ray-tracing simulations are presented for a Ka-Band sectorised antenna and a V-band torus design.