Testing the main Parameters of the Antennas of Satellite Earth Stations

The most important steps in completing the creation of a new antenna or upgrading an existing antenna are tuning and testing when the antenna - is preparing to in and input into service. All parameters of the antenna are equally important for the operation of radio engineering devices of satellite earth stations. Nevertheless, the main parameters are: antenna directivity patterns for receive and for radiation in the part of sidelobes influence, cross-polarization isolation, receiving antenna quality factor, gain factors for receive and radiate, stability of parameters under the influence of wind loads, characteristics of motorized system of antenna movement, availability of free access of antenna nodes for maintenance, etc. The proposed article is an addition to the current instructions and guidelines for the implementation of works on tuning and testing of antenna systems of earth stations (ES) satellite communications. The article is intended for satellite communication specialists for a more detailed acquaintance with the basic requirements for radio equipment of leading world manufacturers, and methods for adjusting and testing the main parameters of the equipment of the ES. The article is written on the basis of many years of experience in operation, modernization, testing and routine maintenance of equipment in the International Satellite Communications Company ”Intelsat” [1]. Currently, the Company has more than 130 member states. The Intelsat group consists of 55 communication satellites (at the 2013) with a high capacity, combining multi-beam coverage of the world map and multiple use of bands located in four groups in geostationary orbits.