Transmit receive modules for geodesic dome phase array antenna for satellite TT&C

Current SATOPS require a more flexible and efficient antenna system. The ESA offers superior performance, operability, adaptability and maintainability for satellite operation. This paper proposes a TR module design that can provide two separate transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) links to a satellite. The TR module is part of a dome shaped antenna which can provide multiple simultaneous ground to satellite links with pointing and acquisition taking only seconds. One dome antenna can replace the capability of three parabolic dishes. The low cost TR module has been developed by the AFRL/ Information Grid Division (IFGE) and the Princeton Microwave Technology Inc. for the next generation of the AF Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). A six-panel subarray was successfully demonstrated at a NASA Flight Test Facility in Aug 2004, where a subarray of 468 TR modules provided TT&C to a low earth orbit satellite. This paper provides detail of the TR module and its measured characteristics.