Stacked reconfigurable antenna elements for space-based radar applications

This paper details progress on the development of MEMS switch-reconfigurable antenna array elements for space-based radar. The ultimate goal is a reconfigurable array on a flexible substrate with a minimum number of switches, low profile, and MEMS switching that provides operation over several bands, a wide range of polarizations, and multiple or scanned beams. The basic antenna structure consists of a microstrip bowtie with a mixed dielectric substrate. These designs provide 25% impedance bandwidths, more than double that of previously reported microstrip bowtie antennas. Measurements indicate that each antenna element achieves acceptable radiation patterns necessary for array scanning. The reconfigurable array concept consisting of antennas for two separate bands and multiple polarizations is also discussed.