Multibeam Earth station antenna for an European teleport application

A multibeam antenna has been designed for a European pay-TV application requiring gain in excess of 50 dBi. Oversized reflectors were used to meet the sidelobe requirements, especially at angles > 100/spl deg/ from the centre of each beam. The first antenna has been constructed and will be tested using suitable Ku-band beacons on satellites between 148/spl deg/ and 166/spl deg/ East, as outlined by Intelsat Document SSOG 210 "Earth Station Verification Tests". The multibeam antennas will allow SES-ASTRA to communicate with satellites in geostationary orbit through a 100/spl deg/ angular range. This paper outlines the design of the multibeam antenna and the construction methods employed.