A Frequency Scanning Concept for Aeronautical Satellite Communications

Abstract

A frequency scanning satellite payload concept for aeronautical passenger communication at Ka-band is presented. Aeronautical passenger communications services via satellite at Ka-band have been frequently considered, but no practical system has yet been implemented because of the high required RF power and of the satellite antenna complexity. If the coverage area is limited to the North-Atlantic or to Europe instead of the whole Earth, frequency scanning seems to offer a very attractive solution.