Analysis of multiple/contoured beam limitations for telecommunications satellite transmissions

This paper summarises recent European work on the limits of satellite antenna coverage, concentrating on multiple and contoured beams for fixed satellite services. The performances of such systems are both technology- and system-dependent (technological limits such as reflector technology and system requirements such as Ariane compatibility and reconfigurability). The frequency range of interest for fixed services extends from 4 to 30 GHz.