Array antennas for JPL/NASA Deep Space Network

Recently, JPL has begun an assessment of the long-term capability of the antennas for the Deep Space Network (DSN). Various alternative plans for upgrading or replacing the present 70-meter antennas have been considered. Several options have been studied which include modifying the present antennas for extended life and reliability, new 70-meter single aperture antennas with offset or symmetric feeds, 100-meter spherical antennas, an array of a few smaller 34-meter antennas, a much larger array (hundreds) of much smaller (5-10 meter) reflector antennas, and finally active planar phased arrays with millions of elements. In this paper we briefly discuss various options but focus on the feasibility of the phased arrays as a viable option for this application. Of particular concern and consideration will be the cost, reliability, and performance compared to the present 70-meter antenna system. Many alternative phased arrays including planar horizontal arrays, hybrid mechanically/electronically steered arrays, phased array of mechanically steered reflectors, multi-faceted planar arrays, phased array-fed lens antennas, and planar reflect-arrays are compared and their viability is assessed.