A study on antenna uplink array for deep space TT&C

Antenna uplink array technology can provide high far-field power to greatly increase deep-space TT&C and communications capabilities. The aggregate EIRP of an N-elements antenna array is proportional to N². To spacecraft low-gain antennas, the high EIRP is especially important for high rate uplinks or emergency command. In this paper, layout considerations for small-scale antenna uplink arrays are discussed, then provides two reference layouts for 160elements and 36-elements under the consider of uplink arraying combined power gain, flexibility, scalability, reliable and economical, and simulate the far-field power combined gain of various layouts. Finally, provide theoretical analysis to spatial power combining efficiency of antenna uplink array, and simulation analysis the relation among elements number, phase error and combined efficiency. Some conclusions summarized can provide reference for practical application of antenna uplink array in the future.