Wave length scaled scanning of the Solar Orbiter/RPW antennas: First results

In this contribution we outline our newest results in finding the true properties of the RPW antennas aboard Solar Orbiter with emphasis on our near-field measurement campaign and corresponding computer simulation. In the course of the project a scale model of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft was manufactured and placed in an anechoic near-field facility. The measurement campaign includes wave-length scaled illumination and scanning of the scale model antennas for finding individual radiation pattern, as well as measurements of the antenna scattering parameters. Overarching goal of the project was to investigate the possibility of using scale model measurements for verification of E-field instrument sensors in the regime above the quasi-static range, as well as provide useful calibration results for the RPW instrument team, allowing significant improvements of the corresponding scientific data analysis.