Publisher:Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2005.
Citation:IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 05-12, 2005.
Abstract:
The results of a trade study comparing the single-antenna approach with the antenna-cluster approach are given, using a cluster of four antennas. The system architecture and the high-EIRP cluster concept are described. Advantages pf the cluster concept over a single antenna include electronic beam steering, reduced antenna mass, higher antenna efficiency, lower point density in the transmit system components, spatial power combing and graceful degradation.