The antenna system for the TELE-X satellite

TELE-X is a combined direct broadcast and communication satellite, covering the Scandinavian countries. The communication service is intended for high-rate data communication, video conferences, outside broadcasting and high-definition TV transmission. The three TV channels use the 12/18-GHz bands, and the two data/video channels use the 12/14-GHz bands for downline and uplink, respectively. A two-antenna concept with one transmit and one receive antenna was chosen due to the different gain and pointing requirements, the frequency band separation, and in order to avoid passive intermodulation problems. The two basically Cassegrain antenna systems are shaped to enable a circular feed to illuminate the elliptical main reflector efficiently. All the TELE-X antennas have been assembled into an antenna module. Design, integration, and testing are facilitated by the modular approach.<>