On-board multibeam deployable antennas using Ka, C, andS frequency bands

The configuration, on-ground tests, and design verification results for the multibeam antenna flight model for Engineering Test Satellite-VI (ETS-VI) are described for onboard multibeam antennas with thirteen and five beams for the Ka- and S-bands, respectively. The antennas feature Ka-band frequency reuse in alternate beams through use of a cluster horn; shared use of a reflector for two frequency bands using a novel frequency selective surface (FSS); large, lightweight deployable main reflectors with diameters of 3.5 m and 2.5 m; and a highly accurate antenna-pointing control system consisting of RF sensors and an antenna-pointing mechanism to drive the subreflector.<
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