Low loss sub-array

Microstrip antenna arrays, in space applications, are relatively new, and have not reached to the level of utilization as the reflector antennas and slotted waveguide arrays. Two areas they need improvement, the design accuracy and substrate quality. The latter results in heavy weights with solid dielectric substrates, necessitating thin substrates, and high resistive losses, demanding thicker substrates for the feed network. These are two conflicting conditions and require compromise, or a new design for the feed network.