Antennas for Satellite Communications-on-the-Move (SCOTM)

The objective of the Phase I program is the development of vehicular satellite cornmunications antenna Systems for all military (UHF, SHF, and EFIF) and commercial (L, C, Ku) frequency bands for tactical/strategic cornmunications-on-the-move. Astron has proposed a series of innovations which will result in significantly smaller antenna elements which will translate into smaller antenna systems which further result in smaller pointing and tracking systems. During the course of these innovative antenna developments, the applications of photonics to these new developments will be studied and applied to the Phase II hardware development program. BENEFITS: The proposed advanced miniaturized and low cost antenna elements are ideally suited for miniature hand-held cellular and wireless communications in the commercial market. Over 100 million such antennas are projected for application worldwide. The miniaturized antenna elements will also be used for advanced phased arrays for commercial satellite communication-on-the-move