Dual function subreflector for communication satellite antenna
AssigneeSpace Systems/Loral, Inc.
InventorsMinh Tang, Terry M. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A satellite-based antenna system that employs an improved dual function subreflector. An exemplary antenna system comprises a flat plate dual function subreflector and a subreflector positioning mechanism that selectively positions the subreflector at predetermined positions corresponding to two or more operational positions of the satellite. A plurality of feed arrays couple energy to and from the subreflector, and a main reflector generates beams for desired coverage areas. The present invention provides optimum performance from a dual reflector antenna when operating in two or more different satellite positions, with no compromise to the performance for either mode of operation.
Claims7
An antenna system for use on a satellite, comprising:
- a flat plate dual function subreflector;
- a subreflector positioning mechanism coupled to the subreflector for selectively positioning the subreflector at predetermined positions corresponding to two or more operational positions of the satellite;
- a plurality of feed arrays that couple energy to and from the subreflector;
- and
- a main reflector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.