Stratospheric-based communication system for mobile users using additional phased array elements for interference rejection

A communications system comprising:

• stratospheric platform having a payload controller and a phased array antenna having a plurality of main array antenna elements for generating a plurality of communication beams and a plurality of auxiliary elements for canceling interference from side lobes of the plurality of the communication beams;
• a gateway station in communication with said stratospheric platform, said gateway station scaling user signals to form a plurality of main array element control signals and auxiliary element control signals, said gateway station communicating the main array element control signals and the auxiliary element control signals to the stratospheric platform;
• said stratospheric platform forming the communication beams and the auxiliary element output to reduce interference from side lobes of the communication beams from the main array element control signals and the auxiliary element control signals.