The implementation and validation of a large 22 m by 8 m planar near-field test range for space antenna systems and payload testing

A new 1 to 50 GHz antenna test range has been installed at Matra Marconi Space in Portsmouth housed in a temperature controlled and screened Class 3 clean room. This range, based around a high precision 22 m by 8 m planar scanner, has been designed specifically to test large active and passive spaceborne SAR and communications payloads. Its capability is, however, general enough to allow a wide range of medium to high gain antennas and systems to be tested. This paper discusses the design considerations that went into the implementation of this facility. Results from the validation of this facility are presented