FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A STEP SCANNED OMNIDIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MAGNETOSPHERIC EXPLORER SPACECRAFT

摘要

The results of the subject study has indicated that omnidirectional antennas requiring directive gains steered off broadside are limited by the feed system efficiencies. The directive gain can be increased to offset the feed losses, but this approach leads quickly to diminishing returns. While gains of 4.8 db appear feasible, a system gain of 3.0 db is considered practical. These results apply to antenna configurations limited in packaging volume to 10 cm diameter by 6l cm length.