On-satellite testing of mobile communication antennas for compliance to VMES, ESV, and other pointing accuracy requirements

Accurate pointing is a defining requirement for transmitting mobile satellite communication (“Satcom-on-the-move”) antennas. However, the nature of mobile operations presents a significant challenge to any effort to actually test and measure the pointing accuracy of these antennas. A method of testing mobile antennas in actual on-satellite operation is described. The method, which involves determining adjacent satellite interference, is simple and direct. The proposed plan is a viable method to determine antenna pointing performance for FCC Vehicle Mounted Earth Station (VMES) compliance. Background on the test is provided, and the test setup, procedure, and post-processing requirements are described. The limits on the accuracy of the test methodology are also presented. Data from a case study is provided and discussed.