SOSTAR-X active antenna : results and lessons learned

A major element of the SOSTAR-X system is the X-band electronically scanned active phased array antenna. Along with the system core electronics, the antenna has enabled successful operation of simultaneous broadband SAR and MTI modes. This paper presents the overall architecture of the SOSTAR-X antenna and tries to summarise which critical points were managed in the design, development, integration and test of this system Prime Item. For the antenna, like other elements of SOSTAR-X, the program has been the opportunity to increase experience within a European team from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain.