Accuracy limitations of RF sensor fine pointing systems in multibeam antennas
Abstract
This paper addresses and discusses some sources of pointing error peculiar to multibeam satellite antennas, where RF sensors are used to support the task of antenna pointing. In particular those errors and error contributions inherent in the electrical configuration of a multibeam antenna, such as 'defocussing' arising from the presence of reflector steering, reflector deformations and relative translations between mechanical components are discussed. In addition, the results of a sensitivity study are presented and discussed in some depth, covering a specific antenna geometry associated with the ITALSAT program.
- Publication:
-
Space Communication Broadcasting
- Pub Date:
- June 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985SpCoB...3..131P
- Keywords:
-
- Communication Satellites;
- Instrument Errors;
- Multibeam Antennas;
- Pointing Control Systems;
- Satellite Antennas;
- Accuracy;
- Defocusing;
- Italian Space Program;
- Position Errors;
- Steering;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking