Approach to improve pointing accuracy of antenna systems with offset reflector and feed configuration

A method for calibration for an offset antenna, the method comprising:

• determining at least one target in a known location;
• calculating, with at least one processor, an estimated gimbal angle between the offset antenna and at least one of the at least one target;
• transmitting, by at least one antenna of at least one of the at least one target, at least one signal;
• receiving, by the offset antenna, the at least one signal;
• pointing the offset antenna to an optimum gimbal angle, for at least one of the at least one target, to maximize received signal power of the at least one signal;
• comparing, by the at least one processor, the optimum gimbal angle with the estimated gimbal angle, for at least one of the at least one target, to determine a difference in the gimbal angles for at least one of the at least one target;
• calculating, by the at least one processor, at least one of a bus error estimate, a reflector error estimate, and a feed error estimate by using the difference in the gimbal angles, for at least one of the at least one target;
• and
• determining, by the at least one processor, at least one of an azimuth correction and an elevation correction for at least one of bus errors, reflector errors, and feed errors by using at least one of the bus error estimate, the reflector error estimate, and the feed error estimate.