Some European satellite-antenna developments and trends

The environment, as well as the mass and available power limitations specific to space missions, add special constraints. These lead to the use of exotic low-mass, high-stability materials, with advanced mechanical and thermal designs. Also, antenna front ends must be tailored for optimum efficiency and power handling. Researchers and engineers in universities, research institutes, and industrial laboratories, from the 14 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA), together with staff from the European Space Agency's Technology Centre (ESTEC) antenna section and from project teams, have studied and developed software-modeling tools, critical reflector and array technologies, novel antenna architectures, and special measurement techniques to cope with these requirements. This paper presents an overview of some of the latest antenna-design tools and technology developments, supported by ESA for space applications. The following topics are covered reflectors, feed systems, and direct-radiating arrays. Some trends and developments in space antenna requirements and technologies are outlined.