Structural design of a space active phased-array antenna

摘要

More and more is being required of space antennas: multi-functionality, multi-band coverage, long range, higher transmitting power, yet lower power consumption, driven by the need for ever-increasing data-transfer capacities. Earlier antennas had small apertures and low gain, making them unsuitable for these growing requirements. Space-deployable reflector antennas solved some of the problems, but their reliance on mechanical scanning causes inertia and low speed. Heavily relying on mechanical components also leads to problems such as reduced reliability and increased weight.