Definition study of the Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) antenna on the second space shuttle mission (OFT-2)
Abstract
A definition is derived for an antenna configuration fixed-mounted high in the payload bay on the hybrid OFT-2 pallet which is compatible with Orbiter interface requirements. Tests showed that the combination of the selected panels and the designed corporate feed meets SIR-A performance requirement of 33 db gain. The effects of Orbiter structure proximity on performance were determined by scale model tests to be negligible. The potential for improved performance during subsequent reflights includes a multiple-beam capability and dual polarization.
- Publication:
-
Synthetic Aperture Radar Technology Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978sart.confR....N
- Keywords:
-
- Antenna Design;
- Radar Antennas;
- Radar Imagery;
- Shuttle Imaging Radar;
- Space Shuttle Orbiters;
- Synthetic Aperture Radar;
- Antenna Arrays;
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Electromagnetic Compatibility;
- Space Shuttle Payloads;
- Communications and Radar