X-band choked horn antenna for on-board TTC downlink of deep space satellite applications

In this paper, design of a X-Band choked horn antenna for providing wide coverage in a satellite TTC downlink application is discussed. The chokes of the circular open ended waveguide helps to provide a hemispherical coverage which is capable of providing near 360° coverage when 2 identical elements are placed back to back. Designed antenna comprises of dual circularly polarized characteristics, suitable for the TTC system of deep space applications. The choke ring configuration also allows better reception of signals with improved multipath rejection from low elevation angle satellites. The design aspects and the simulation results of antenna elements are presented. This antenna finds application in many future ISRO missions.