Benchmark of lens antennas for KA-band global earth observation from leo satellites

This paper compares two different compact lens antenna approaches for a global Earth observation application at 26 GHz. Lens specifications were defined by Alcatel Alenia Space within the framework of ACE Network of Excellence activities. The lenses are required to match a secant square type radiation pattern template in the elevation plane. Two alternative specifications are defined for the azimuth radiation pattern template: either omnidirectional or with a mechanically scanned sector beam to enhance gain. Two alternative lens approaches are also evaluated for the above cases: one based on an axial-symmetric dome lens geometry (developed at "Instituto de Telecomunicacoes", Portugal) and another one based on a fully 3D lens design (developed at "IETR", France).