RECEIVE-ONLY PHASED-ARRAY ANTENNA FOR TRACKING AND COMMUNICATION WITHLEO SATELLITES

A ground receiving phased array antenna system is described for tracki ng and communication with satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). Differe nt active array antenna architectures and the minimum number of array elements for meeting the system G / T requirement are evaluated and co mpared. A general noise temperature model is also developed for evalua ting any phased array antenna system. Moreover, this model ir also use ful for the design and planning of other receiving antenna systems on automobiles, ships, air-craft, satellites, et cetera. (C) 1996 John Wi ley & Sons, Inc.