Antenna steering for data traffic with satellites by evaluation of the path parameter using the Kalman filter

Antennas for receiving data from artificial earth satellites normally follow the satellite beam signals using a tracking-receiver (auto-track mode). In certain situations, however, an antenna must be positioned using rated values determined from path parameters. These parameters are constantly changing due to air friction and the flattening of the earth. A computer model for on-line use has been developed in order to continually adjust them. In the antenna's auto-track mode, both the actual data on antenna position and actual position data on a satellite are received. These data, together with the Kalman filter, are used to actualize the path parameters of the computer model. The program has been operationally tested on a minicomputer.