A cross-array radiometer for spacecraft applications

Abstract

Large-area surveillance can be achieved by the use of a beam-forming antenna consisting of two crossed linear arrays. Such an antenna has the advantage that it can be steered electronically and its beam synthesized so that it will have a resolution fully equivalent to that of a filled antenna of equal diameter. It would also be a much lighter antenna, probably no more than 10% to 15% the weight of a filled aperture. The beam-forming function would require the use of high-speed, integrated circuitry. Coverage issues are addressed, and implementation is discussed.<>