Multifunction X-band Phased Array Antenna for Air/Space Surveillance and Space Operations

ABSTRACT: The objective of this Phase I SBIR effort is to develop and demonstrate a multifunction, multi-beam X-band subarray that is capable of simultaneously supporting communications for satellite operations and radar for air/space surveillance. Under this proposed effort, Alpha Omega Electromagnetics and Princeton Microwave will conduct both mechanical and electrical evaluations and analysis of several phased array architectures with the objective of developing and demonstrating a multifunction, multi-beam X-band subarray. The focus of the investigations will be at the antenna subarray level because the subarray will serve as the building block for a larger antenna array. Some of the primary elements of investigation will be the system architecture, triplexer performance requirements and potential architectures to achieve high isolation, compact low cost T/R channel design, aperture thermal performance and radiating aperture candidates. Results from this investigation will then be used to select a final candidate subarray architecture for design, fabrication and demonstration in a follow-on Phase II effort. BENEFIT: The results of this research will provide one of the critical technologies needed to support the realization of a large, hemispherical phased array antenna capable of horizon-to-horizon coverage. This array will be capable of providing multiple links to simultaneously support several control operations ranging from low altitude to geostationary satellites at different directions. It will simultaneously allow for radar surveillance operations. The resulting subarray technology should have far reaching applications including serving as a basic building block of an ESA for the air and space traffic control, homeland defense, cruise missile defense as well as satellite communication. An additional application of the aperture technology developed under this SBIR will be for mobile applications where the subarray (or groups of subarrays) alone will serve as the complete functional antenna.