Analytical and experimental design of the Space Shuttle Ku-Band Microwave Scan Beam Landing System Antenna /MSBLS/
Abstract
The paper reviews the analytical and experimental studies and design procedures used in the development of the Ku-Band Microwave Scan Beam Landing System (MSBLS) Antenna for the Shuttle. Solutions to the severe mode trapping due to the thick dielectric heat shield are discussed. Analytical methods were developed to describe propagation in a finite layered medium excited by a specific set of antenna candidates. Rigid pattern ripple specifications in off-axis directions were met by a combination of analytical and experimental iterations in the design.
- Publication:
-
Antennas and Propagation
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978anpr.conf...75S
- Keywords:
-
- Antenna Design;
- Landing Radar;
- Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System;
- Space Shuttles;
- Spacecraft Antennas;
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Apertures;
- Graphs (Charts);
- Microwave Antennas;
- Performance Tests;
- Systems Analysis;
- Waveguides;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking