Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Peng, S. Y..
The high gain antenna for the Cassini spacecraft is a lightweight, large surface area structural element, and therefore its dynamic characteristics are noticeably altered by air mass effects...This paper describes the method ultimately used to quantify these effects on the Cassini HGA (High Gain Antenna).
A low profile electronically steered phased array was successfully developed for the Mobile Satellite Experiment Program (MSAT-X). The newly invented cavity-backed printed crossed-slot was used as the radiating element. The choice of this element was based on its low elevation angle gain coverage and low profile. A nineteen-way radial type unequal power divider and eighteen three-bit diode phase shifters constitute the beamformer module which is used to scan the beams electronically. A complete hybrid mode pointing system was also developed. The major features of the antenna system are broad coverage, low profile, and fast acquisition and tracking performance, even under fading conditions. Excellent intersatellite isolation (better than 26 dB) was realized, which will provide good quality mobile satellite communication in the future.
The Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X) phased array antenna is being modified to meet future requirements. The proposed system consists of two high gain antennas mounted on each side of a fuselage, and a low gain antenna mounted on top of the fuselage. Each antenna is an electronically steered phased array based on the design of the MSAT-X antenna. A beamforming network is connected to the array elements via coaxial cables. It is essential that the proposed antenna system be able to provide an adequate communication link over the required space coverage, which is 360 degrees in azimuth and from 20 degrees below the horizon to the zenith in elevation. Alternative design concepts are suggested. Both open loop and closed loop backup capabilities are discussed. Typical antenna performance data are also included.