A Compact Rx/Tx Dual Circular Polarization Satellite Antenna Array Element Including Diplexers

New systems for satellite based personal mobile communication are expected to use the S-band in addition to the L-band systems used today. The transmit and receive antenna of such a system is typically a large unfurlable reflector, with a feed array of small circularly polarized elements. This concept makes it possible to create a large number of small lobes over a given coverage area. Ruag Aerospace Sweden (previously Saab Space) has developed a novel compact feed array element for such an application at the S-UMTS frequencies. A smaller transmit element with increased power handling capability for S-DMB (Digital Mobile Broadcast) applications has also been designed. The work has been performed under an ESA contract.