Phase optimized beam design for direction sensing aboard communication satellites

Accurate estimation of directions to terrestrial reference sites is a key component for stabilized pointing of customer beams aboard communication satellites. Direction estimation is enabled through the formation of beams on the payload phased arrays. To minimize downtime of channels otherwise used to provide service, phase-optimized beamforming strategies are considered for both coherent and non-coherent methods of signal reception. Direction estimation accuracy is derived from Monte-Carlo simulation and used to assess the quality of the optimized beams relative to those commonly employed in conventional monopulse and sequential lobing.