Advanced Space Antenna for GPS

The objective of this Phase I SBIR effort is to develop and demonstrate an advanced, space antenna with a steerable, formable beam for Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. GPS satellites currently use fixed beam L-band antennas to provide hemispherical coverage of the earth. There is a need to be able to focus the GPS broadcast on a specific area of interest, steer it to maintain the beam on that area, and provide additional signal strength for better general reception and overcoming a jammer, etc. The primary objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a simultaneous and completely independent three-beam transmit array antenna for use on a GPS satellite that will completely fulfill this need. AOE will focus its attention on active phased array solutions in order arrive at an architecture that exhibits graceful degradation and distributes power and heat over the entire surface of the array. Under this proposed effort, AOE will be working with Boeing (a positioning, navigation, and timing, or PNT prime contractor) to help ensure applicability of AOE"s efforts and begin work towards technology transition.