Results of tests on the satellite spotbeam antenna
Abstract
Antenna performance was measured for OTS, using ground station recording of received signal levels while the satellite was allowed to swing to precise locations in a rectangular grid surrounding nominal beam center. Day/night beamswing caused by thermal stress was measured at night at 50 C, and by day at -140 C. Reliable antenna contours were produced within 24 hours of test completion. Beam movement of the spotbeam agrees with prelaunch predictions. Day/night gain variations can be directly related to received power flux density. Accuracy in determining beam center position is 0.1 deg absolute, with 0.04 deg repeatability.
- Publication:
-
In its OTS: 3rd Year in Orbit p 48-52 (SEE N82-14173 05-12
- Pub Date:
- August 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981oyo..nasa...48N
- Keywords:
-
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Ots (Esa);
- Radar Beams;
- Satellite Antennas;
- Transmission Efficiency;
- Diurnal Variations;
- Flux Density;
- Signal Analysis;
- Signal Measurement;
- Thermal Stresses;
- Communications and Radar