A low-cost, injection-molded satellite phased array

The current trend in synchronous orbit satellites and satellite antennas is toward increased power, increased payload capability, and more independent antenna beams. Spacecraft antennas must also be low in cost, be quickly produced, and fit within the available spacecraft mounting locations. The transmit and receive functions are often performed by separate antennas. A deployed shaped-reflector antenna is frequently used to satisfy the transmit requirements, and an Earth-facing, deck-mounted reflector antenna is used to satisfy the receive functions. An Earth-deck structure is necessary to hold the Ku-band receive antenna reflector, subreflector, and feed. An Earth-deck-mounted passive array antenna is being developed that has the same RF performance and the same mass as a 1.2 m reflector antenna, yet costs 75% less and occupies 80% less Earth-deck area and 95% less shroud volume. Furthermore, the array has a lower center of gravity which improves spacecraft inertial characteristics