Modeling and efficiency investigation of arrays of reflector antennas for deep space communication

This paper present the preliminary investigation of the effects of several sources of errors on the performance of arrays composed by reflector antennas. This type of arrays are currently promoted by space agencies to enhance current performance given by ground stations used for deep space communications. Two principal effects are outlined. First, the reciprocal occultation among adjacent antennas, called shadowing, which causes a loss of collecting area. Second, the phase, amplitude and pointing errors that may occur in the excitation of each antenna, which prevent the array from achieving the maximum array gain.