Title of Invention

"DEPLOYABLE PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS"

Abstract ABSTRACT "A PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA, DEPLOYABLE FROM A RETRACTED CONDITION TO A DEPLOYED CONDITION" A phased array antenna, deployable from a retracted condition to a deployed condition, comprising a base member (12) having, at least in part, a polygonal cross-sectional form defined by a plurality of edge regions (12.1 to 12.6), and a plurality of antenna panels (14), each antemia panel being connected, by a respective hinge means (16.1 to 16.6), to a respective one of said edge regions of said base member, such that, in said retracted condition, two or more of the antenna panels are stacked one on top of the other on the base member, and the hinge means being such that the antenna panels are rotatable sequentially one after the other, aroimd a single pivot point for each respective hinge means, from the stack to a position in which each panel is adjacent a respective base edge region to provide said deployed condition wherein the phased array antenna provides an extended area. Fig2G
Full Text This invention relates to a phased array antenna, deployable from a retracted
condition to a deployed condition.
Background art
Antenna structures onboard telecommunication satellites commonly
include rigid reflectors, up to around 2.5 metres diameter, or more complex
structures, for example unfiirlable wire mesh reflectors up to 9 metres across.
The array may operate as a transmit only, a receive only, or as a combined
transmit/receive antenna.
Phased array antennas are in general use as compact, stationary
structures for the flexible direction of electromagnetic energy for multi-beam,
fast reaction tracking radar and telecommunications antennas. They are
mechanically static but which can be electronically reconfigured to transmit or
receive signals over a defined coverage region. For example ground based
satellite terminals use phased arrays for tracking and communicating with
satellites in low earth orbit, and flat plate phased array antennas are used for
reception of satellite direct to home TV broadcasts.
Phased array antennas are used as an alternative to conventional reflector
antennas onboard communications spacecraft. Examples include the Boeing
Gapfiller military satellite, which uses fixed (non-deployable) separate receive
and transmit X-band arrays (hftp:// www.boeing.com/defensespace/
space/bss/factsheets/7Q2/wgs/wgs/factsheet.html) and the Boeing
Spaceway commercial satellite system, which uses which uses fixed Ka band
phased arrays (http://www.boeinq.com/ids/allsvstemsgo/issues/voll/
num3/storv06. html). These antennas are of relatively small aperture and are
fixed structures.
Summary of the invention
In at least a preferred embodiment, a deployable planar phased array antenna
system for a telecommunications satellite is of a large aperture design and is
deployed after the satellite is on-station in space. The larger aperture facilitates
the generation of smaller diameter spot beams on the earth's surface, enabling
system capacity to be increased through higher orders of frequency re-
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use. The smaller beam size also corresponds with an increase in the satellite
transmitter EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) and receiver sensitivity
permitting operation with small, low power, lower cost terminals.
The present invention provides in a first aspect a phased array antenna,
deployable fi^om a retracted condition to a deployed condition, comprising a
base member having, at least in part, a polygonal cross-sectional form defined
by a plurality of edge regions, and a plurality of antenna panels, each antenna
panel being coimected, by a respective hinge means, to a respective one of said
edge regions of said base member, such that, in said retracted condition, two or
more of the antenna panels are stacked one on top of the other on the base
member, and the hinge means being such that the anteima panels can be hinged
sequentially one after the other fi-om the stack to a position in which each panel
is adjacent a respective base edge region to provide said deployed condition
wherein the phased array antenna provides an extended area.
The top surface of the base member preferably provides a fiirther antenna
panel. In order for the antenna to fimction correctly, the panels and base !
member may preferably present a flat two dimensional surface, otherwise
undesirable phase increments may arise between radiator elements. The upper
surfaces of the panels may be aligned with the upper surface of the base
member in the deployed condition; minor steps or discontinuities may however
be corrected by signal processing.
The polygonal cross-sectional shape may be of any shape, but is
preferably regular. It may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc, but in one
preferred form, from electrical considerations of antenna design, is hexagonal,
with six sides. The antenna panels may have the same cross-section as the base
member, and are stacked on top of the base member so as to present a uniform
cross-section in a lengthwise direction. This is particularly desirable where the
antenna forms part of a telecommunications satellite that has to be launched
through the earth's atmosphere. The panels may however have different crosssections
if necessary. In one preferred form, the outer edges of each panel have
a castellated form, so that sub-arrays of radiator elements may have an optimum
configuration.
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As preferred, the panels are shaped and dimensioned that in the deployed
condition, edges of the panel are coterminous with the respective base edge
region. This permits electrical continuity of the antenna, and permits electrical
connections to be made across the edges. Edges of each panel extending from
the base edge region may be positioned next to the corresponding edge of an
adjacent panel; in this way, the area of the antenna as deployed is closed.
In an alternative construction, an additional set of antenna panels may be
provided, each additional antenna panel being hinged to one of the above first
mentioned antenna panels, so that when the antenna panels are deployed from
the retracted condition, firstly a first antenna panel is moved to the deployed
position, and subsequently the additional antenna panel is pivoted from a
position lying on top of the first panel to a deployed position. In this way, an
antenna with a very large area may be provided.
In the deployed position, the antenna provides preferably, roughly a
circular closed area, so that the antenna provides an optimally large aperture.
In a preferred manner of hinging the first antenna panels, each antenna panel is
coupled to the base member by means of a hinge means having a pivot point
that is positioned relative to the position of the antenna panel in the retracted
stack of antenna elements, so that the antenna panel upon rotation of the hinge
to the deployed condition, makes a 180° rotation and a translatory movement to
the plane at the top of the base member in the fiiUy deployed position.
The hinge is preferably of a "back-flap" construction, with a support frame
extending from the pivot point over the underside of the panel member; in this
way, it does not interfere with the electrical characteristics of the antenna. The
pivot of the hinge is preferably formed as an elongate sleeve and pin
arrangement, to ensure that the pivot point remains accurately positioned
throughout.
The stack of antenna panels may comprise all of the panels to one side of the—
base- member. Alternatively -one or more antenna panels-may be disposed
when retracted on the opposite side of the base member. This may I
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be the case where the antenna is intended for a telecommunications satellite,
where the base member is coupled to a service module by means of a boom
member, in order to avoid collision with the boom member.
In a preferred configuration, the antenna is disposed on top of the
satellite service module during the laimch phase, but when the satellite is onstation,
then the antenna is rotated through 90°, in its retracted condition, by
means of the boom member, to a position where the anterma is deployed. In this
condition, the whole service module, including the deployed solar arrays, is able
to rotate relative to the anterma (once every 24hrs). Such an arrangement is
known and is for example described in Communications Satellites, The
Technology of Space Communications, Published 1987 by Heinemann, Author
J. L. Blonstein, page 147. The anterma points at the earth while the service
module solar arrays point at the sun. The solar arrays are fixed to the service
module and do not rotate relative to the service module. In the preferred
configuration, the base unit has to rotate 90° relative to the boom arm
connecting it to the service module before the stowed panels can be deployed.
The boom arm blocks the deployment of one panel from the rear of the base
unit. The simplest arrangement is to have the "missing" panel fold directly from
the front face of the base unit. More panels could be stacked on the front face of
the base unit but the backflap hinge design means that mechanical hinge parts
(possibly electrically conductive) would project in front of the antenna active
surface, thereby disrupting the radiation pattern. It is the projection of
mechanical parts in front of the antenna aperture that this invention avoids.
In a fiirther aspect, the invention provides a telecommvinications
satellite comprising a service module and a phased array anterma coupled to the
service module by means of a boom member, the service module including solar
panels, and the phased array antenna being deployable from a retracted
condition to a deployed condition, wherein in the refracted condition, the
antenna is positioned on top of the service module, and the boom member
including rotatable means so that the antenna, when deployed, can be rotated
relative to the service module, and the antenna comprising a plurality of anterma
panels, such that, Jin said retracted conditi.gn,. two pr more _of_ jhe_ antenna
panels are stacked one on top of the other, wherein for deployment,
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the antenna is firstly moved by means of the boom member to a position away
from the service module, and then the antenna panels are moved to a deployed
condition wherein the phased array antenna provides an extended area.
For each antenna panel, the upper surface of the panel, together with
the top surface of the base member, provide an array of radiator elements of the
phased array anterma. The radiator elements may be arranged in subarrays
having a certain geometric shape. The outer edges of each panel have a
castellated form, so that sub-arrays of radiator elements may have an optimum
hexagonal configuration. The sub arrays may extend over the edges of the
panels onto the base member and adjacent panels as required.
The lower surface of each panel has appropriate electrical conductors
and components for coupling the radiator elements. Such conductor tracks are
coupled to the base member, across adjoining edges, through appropriately
designed electrical contacts in the deployed condition. For example the adjacent
edges of each panel member and the base member may have protruding
electrical contacts that are spring loaded, or of cantilever design for example, so
that they make contact with some spring force to maintain electrical contact. {
Alternatively they may make a snap fit connection. However, in practice, simple |
proximity (capacitive) connections may be sufficient at Ka band frequencies.
The advantage with the hinge construction of the present invention is that it
confers great mechanical rigidity to the positioning of the deployed panel
relative to the base xmit. This facilitates a number of multi-pin connector
schemes because of the precision with which the male and female parts can be
aligned.
Brief description of the drawings
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:-
Figures lA, IB and IC are perspective views of a first embodiment of the
invention comprising a spacecraft with a deployable antenna in a retracted
condition, and with solar panels in furled and unfurled conditions;
Figures 2A to 2F are perspective views showing sequential steps in the
deployment of the antenna;
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Figures 3 A to 3 C are perspective views of a second embodiment of the
invention with Figure 3 A showing the antenna of the telecommunications
satellite in a retracted position, Figure 3B showing the anterma in a raised
position from the body of the satellite, and Figure 3C showing the fully
deployed anterma array;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the deployed array showing the anterma
panels forming a roughly circular closed surface;
Figure 5 shows constructional details of each anterma element; and
Figure 6 shows, in schematic form, a cross-sectional view of a central
base unit with anterma panels connected to the central unit by hinges.
Description of the preferred embodiments
In the preferred embodiments of the invention, a phased array antenna
comprises a nimiber of anterma panels, which are hinged together and folded
when stowed prior to deployment. On deployment the array is unfolded to form
a continuous large planar anterma aperture. Each anterma panel comprises a
multiplicity of active antermas. The composition of each of these active
antennas depends on the functioning of the array, transmit/ receive, receive |
only, transmit only.
Referring now to Figvires 1 and 2, a first embodiment comprises a
telecorrmiunications satellite having a service module body 2 and a deployable
anterma 4 that is positioned in a retracted condition coaxial with the body 2.
Both the body and the anterma are of hexagonal cross section. The anterma is
mounted to the body by means of a boom 6. Boom 6 is coupled to anterma 4
through a swivel joint 8 that permits rotation in two planes, as will become
apparent. Stay members 10 are provided for holding the anteima in the position
shown. The service module body 2 has solar panels 11.
The anterma comprises a base member 12 and a stack of individual anterma
panels 14, one anterma panel 14.1 being mounted on top of the base 12 and the
remaining five antenna panels 14.2 to 14.6 being moimted beneath the base 12.
The cross sectional shape of base 12 is defined by sides or edge regions 12.1 to
12.6. Each panel is mounted to a respective side of base 12 by a respective
hinge 16.1 to 16.6. Each hinge has a pivot 18 secured to a side of
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the base and comprising an extended sleeve containing a rotatable pin (not
shown). A frame 20 extends from the rotatable pin to the respective panel 14.
The frame is angled with a quadrilateral section as shown, and a fiirther
quadrilateral section may be secured to the rear side of the antenna panel (not
shown).
As shown in Figure 1, in initial steps, before antenna deployment, solar
panels 11 are firstly unfiirled, as shown in Figure 1 B, to a fiiUy extended
position, and then stay members 10 fall away, as shown in Figure IC.
As shown in Figure 2, the method of deploying the antenna is firstly to
move the retracted antenna stack 4 to a position raised from the body 2 and
rotated through 90°, by means of swivel joint 8 attached to boom 6 (see Figure
1 A, Figure 1 B and Figure 2A).
As shown in Figure 2B, a first antenna panel 14.1 that is initially
positioned on top of body member 4, is hinged, by means of a hinge 16.1
(Figure IC) mounted to base edge region 12.1, to the position as shown wherein
the panel 14.1 extends coplanar with the top 24 of the base and with the
respective edges 12.1 , 26 of the base and panel being located close together and
coterminli with one another. In this position, electrical contacts 27, formed as
proximity capacitive contacts, are disposed along the edges 12.1, 26 are
electrically coupled. It will be noted that panel 14.1 is mounted on top of base
member 4, since otherwise boom member 6 would be positioned across the
active surface of the anterma panel, and degrade the antenna characteristics.
Then, as shown in Figures 2C to 2G, the antenna panels from the stack
behind the base are sequentially hinged to positions coplanar with panel 14.1
and located against sequential edges of the base member 12. The side edges 28
of each panel extending from the base are located coterminii with adjacent
edges 28 of adjacent panels. The result is, in the fiiUy deployed condition shown
in Figure 2G, a pattern of hexagons, seven in number including base top 24, that
form a closed surface area that is very roughly circular in outline and which
provides an optimum configuration for a phased array antenna for
telecommunications. Each upper surface of the antenna panels and the upper
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surface of the base cany arrays of radiator elements of the phased array antenna.
In the fully deployed condition, the swivel joint 8 permits the antenna
and the service module to rotate relative to one another so that the solar cells are
directed at the sun, whereas the antenna remains directed at the earth. Such an
arrangement is known and is for example described in Communications
Satellites, The Technology of Space Communications, Published 1987 by
Heinemann, Author J. L. Blonstein, page 147. The only rotation is between
antenna and service module, with electrical power travelling along the boom
arm that joins these two structures. Only one simple electrical rotating joint is
required (+ - DC, 50V, for example), compared with the dual complex rotational
electrical connections between a pair of solar panels and a conventional satellite
body. In the preferred configuration, the base unit has to rotate 90° relative to
the arm connecting it to the service module before the stowed panels can be
deployed. The arm blocks the deployment of one panel fi-om the rear of the base
unit. The simplest arrangement is to have the "missing" panel fold directly from
the front face of the base unit.
Details of the hinge arrangements for the antenna panels are
schematically shown in Figure 6, wherein two antenna panels 14.5, 14.6 of the
stack are connected by respective back flap hinge members 16.5, 16.6 to
respective sides 12.5 and 12.6 of base unit 12. The pivot point of the hinge
along the side of base unit 12 is different for each element, and for hinge 16.5
the pivot point is shovra as at 60 and for hinge 16.6 the pivot point is shown as
at 62. The precise position of the pivot point is dependent on the position of the
panel in the stack so that when the hinging operation takes place, the panel
hinges from the stack to a position adjacent the top edge of the base unit. Thus,
each panel hinge has a unique offset dimension, being incremented relative to a
hinge for an adjacent panel in the stack by half the thickness of the panel.
Referring to Figure 6, A-B=0.5 panel effective stowed thickness. The hinge
construction ensures no hinge line in front of the aperture that would otherwise
interfere with RF radiation. When the panels are in their deployed condition,
electrical connectors along the coterrminli edges of the panels and base
member, provide electrical coupling for the radiator elements (not shown).
Simple robust
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hinge style offers precise edge alignment and inter-panel electrical
interconnects, as described above.
Referring now to the second embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, a
telecommunications satellite comprises a service module body member 42 with
an anterma 44 mounted coaxial with the body member 42 in a retracted
condition, see Figure 3A. A boom member 46 couples the antenna to the body
member. The antenna comprises a base member 48, a stack of individual
antenna panels 50 mounted on one side of base member 48, and a single antenna
panel 50.1 mounted on the opposite side of the base member. As shown in
Figure 3B the first step in deploying the anterma is to move the antenna 44 by
means of the boom 46 to a position rotated at 90° to body member 42. The
antenna panels 50.1 to 50.6 are then sequentially hinged from the stack along
the respective edges of the base member 48, so as to provide the configuration
shown in Figure 3C, in a similar manner to that described above with reference
to Figure 2. In particular, each panel 50 extends coplanar with the top of the
base and with the respective edges 54, 56 of the base and panel are located close
together and coterminii with one another. The side edges 58 of each panel
extending from the base are located coterminii with adjacent edges 58 of
adjacent panels. The configuration is more specifically shown in Figure 4.
It will be noted that the anterma panels of the second embodiment are not
regular hexagons but that their outer edges 60 have constellations 62. This
permits as shown in Figure 4 the phased array of radiating elements 64 to be
arranged in hexagonal sub-arrays 66. Each sub-array 66 comprises nineteen
radiating elements 64 arranged in a hexagonal configuration. The sub-arrays for
each antenna panel occupy the outer constellations 62, and extend over into the
adjacent edge regions 54 of the central base member 48 so as to preserve a
regular hexagonal configuration. It may be seen that the central base member 48
also has a similar array of hexagonal sub-arrays 66. In the result an array of
seven panels are provided each panel having a configuration of hexagonal subarrays,
the sub-arrays all being of the same shape and size. The result is a
phased array- antenna of optimum configuration having an
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approximately circular shape for large aperture, with the hexagonal arrays of
radiator elements providing optimum beam forming characteristics.
When the panels are in their deployed condition, electrical connectors
(not shown) along the coterminii edges of the panels and base member provide
electrical coupling for the radiator elements. Simple robust hinge style offers
precise edge alignment and inter-panel electrical interconnects.
Details of the construction of the radiating elements are shown in Figure
5 wherein electronic circuits 72 are connected to each radiating element 60
through electrical conductors 74 extending perpendicular to the surface of the
antenna panels. For a Transmit/Receive array, each sub array 66 comprises a set
of 19 radiating elements, a power divider which enables these elements to be
excited by a single source with defined power division ratios and relative
phases, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 78 for low noise signal reception, a high
power amplifier (HPA) 80 for signal transmission, a bandpass filter 82 for
rejecting unwanted, out of band transmissions from the HP A, and a diplexer 84
for combining the reception and transmission paths into a common path for
connection to the set of radiating elements, and a beam-forming network. For a
transmit only array the LNA and diplexer are omitted. For a Receive, only array,
the HPA and bandpass filter are omitted, and the diplexer is replaced by a
bandpass filter.
An antenna panel is a combination of a modular design (for the
assembly of LNA, HPA, diplexer and filters) and single structural elements (for
the antenna front face carrying the radiating elements, the beam-formers, heat
pipes and supporting structures). This arrangement results in reduced cost (for
the modular assemblies), and reduced mass overall through the use of single
structural elements.
The phased array antenna of the invention, as described, provides the
follov^ng advantages:
A large antenna aperture enables generation of small spot beams
permitting a high order of frequency re-use and enhancement of
system capacity. The small beams also- enhance the-transmitter
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EIRP, and receive sensitivity enabling operation with small, low power,
low cost terminals.
- A single phased array can replace a number of conventional
reflector antennas. This feature provides the following benefits:
• Lower total antenna mass. This translates into lower spacecraft
launch mass with attendant cost savings. Alternatively the antenna
mass saving could be used for incorporating additional utility.
• More compact structure, and takes up less room than the reflector
equivalents. Again this opens up the possibility of incorporating
additional utility.
• Replacement of multiple reflector antennas by a single phased array
simplifies deployment.
• Easier accommodation within the spacecraft launch vehicle.
• Potential cost reductions (only one phased array antenna to replace a
number of reflector equivalents).
- A high degree of operational flexibility.
• The coverage provided by the phased array antenna can be
reconfigured to match changing traffic distributions or new mission
requirements.
• The array provides a method of adjusting the coverage to
compensate for orbit inclination, thereby increasing the usefiil
lifetime of the satellite and to compensate for satellite pointing
errors.
- A method of designing antennas such that only small changes to a
generic design are required to customise the anterma for different
missions.
- Ability to compensate for antenna distortions, both during assembly,
integration and test on the ground, and during operation in orbit.
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i
- Less susceptibility to scatter effects, and shadowing by spacecraft
structures than for reflector equivalents.
- The planar array can be a self-contained unit with active electronic
units (HPAs and LNAs etc.) and filters integrated into the assembly.
This enables the assembly, integration and test of the whole payload
to be carried out more efficiently.
- The antenna aperture can be used as a thermal radiator.
Having thus described the present invention by reference to preferred
embodiments, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments are in all respects
exemplary and that modifications and variations are possible without
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, different
shapes/sizes and/or a different number of antenna panels could be used in the
invention so as to realise the technical effect of the invention. Fvirthermore, as
well as applications onboard telecommunications satellites, the deployable
phased array antenna of the invention could also be used for terrestrial
communication systems in which a large phased array aperture is required but












f
We Claim:
1. A phased array antenna, deployable from a retracted condition to a
deployed condition, comprising a base member (12) having, at least in
part, a polygonal cross-sectional form defined by a plurality of edge
regions (12.1 to 12.6), and a plurality of antenna panels (14), each antenna
panel being connected, by a respective hinge means (16.1 to 16.6), to a
respective one of said edge regions of said base member, such that, in said
retracted condition, two or more of the antenna panels are stacked one on
top of the other on the base member, and the hinge means being such that
the antenna panels are rotatable sequentially one after the other, around a
single pivot point for each respective hinge means, from the stack to a
position in which each panel is adjacent a respective base edge region to
provide said deployed condition wherein the phased array antenna
provides an extended area.
2. An antenna as claimed in claim 1, wherein each antenna panel is generally
the same cross-sectional shape as said base member.
3. An antenna as claimed in claim 2, wherein each antenna panel is
hexagonal in shape.
4. An antenna as claimed in claim 2, wherein outer edges (60) of each
antenna panel, when deployed, are castellated in form.
5. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one
antenna panel (50.1) is mounted on the opposite side of the base member
to said stack in the retracted condition. -
6. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the antenna panels
are arranged such that when they are rotated from the stack to the fully
deployed position an edge (56) of the panel is located adjacent to and
coterminii with a respective edge (54) of the base member.
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7. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein side edges of each
deployed panel extending from the base member are adjacent respective
side edges of adjacent panels.
8. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each antenna panel
is coupled to the base member by means of a back flap hinge (16.1 to
16.6), having a pivot comprising an extended sleeve and rotatable pin
therein, and a frame extending from said pin and secured to the rear side
of the antenna panel.
9. An antenna according to any preceding claim wherein each antenna panel
is coupled to the base member by means of a hinge on a side of the base
unit wherein the pivot point of the hinge along the side of the base unit is
different for each panel with the position of the pivot point being
dependent on the position of the panel in the stack so that when the
hinging operation takes place the panel hinges from the stack to a position
in the deployed condition coplanar with the other antenna panels.
10. An antenna as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting point of the hinge
is incremented for sequential panels in the stack, by half the thickness of
the antenna panel in the stack.
11. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim, including electrical
connector means (27) disposed along adjacent edges, in the deployed
condition, of each panel and said base member, in order to make electrical
connection between the base member and elements of the antenna within
each panel.
12. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein radiating elements
of the phased array are arranged in regularly configured sub-arrays (66).
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13. An antenna as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the outer edges (60) of each
panel in the deployed condition are castellated (62), and the sub-arrays
extend into the castellations, with sub-arrays adjacent the base member
extending over the edges (54) of the base member (48).
14. An antenna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface
of the base member provides a central antenna panel.
15. A phased array antenna as claimed in any preceding claim, incorporated in
a telecommunications satellite, the satellite having a service module (2,
42) including solar cell panels (11), and the antenna being coupled via a
rotatable joint (8) to a boom member (6) that is mounted to the service
module, to permit relative rotation of the antenna and service module in
the deployed condition.
16. A phased array antenna as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one
antenna panel (14.1, 50.1) is mounted on the opposite side of the base
member (12, 48) to said stack in the retracted condition, to permit
deployment in front of said boom member.
17. A telecommunications satellite comprising a service module (2, 42) and a
phased array antenna (4, 44) coupled to the service module by means of a
boom member (6, 46), the service module including solar panels (11), and
the phased array antenna being deployable from a retracted condition to a
deployed condition, wherein in the retracted condition, the antenna is
positioned on top of the service module, and the boom member including
rotatable means (8) so that the antenna, when deployed, can be rotated
relative to the service module, and the antenna comprising a plurality of
antenna panels (14, 50), such that, in said retracted condition, two or more
of the antenna panels are stacked one on top of the other, wherein for
deployment, the antenna is firstly moved by means of the boom member to
a position away from the service module, and then the antenna panels are
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rotated to a deployed condition wherein the phased array antenna provides
an extended area.
18. A satellite as claimed in claim 17, where said antenna includes a base
member (12) to which said boom member is mounted, said stack being
mounted on one side of said base member, and in which at least one
antenna panel is mounted on the opposite side of the base member to said
stack in the retracted condition, to permit deployment in front of said
boom member.
Dated this 03/09/2007
[RITUSHKANEGrK
OF REMFRY & S A G ^
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANTS
I
i
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which must be transportable or easy to relocate.
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Documents:

6832-delnp-2007-Abstract-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-abstract.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Claims-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-claims.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Correspondence Others-(28-05-2012).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Correspondence-Others-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-DELNP-2007-Correspondence-Others-(07-03-2011).pdf

6832-DELNP-2007-Correspondence-Others-(17-11-2008).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Correspondence-Others-(20-04-2011).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-correspondence-others-1.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-correspondence-others.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Description (Complete)-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-description (complete).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Drawings-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-drawings.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-1.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-13-(17-11-2008).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-18.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Form-2-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-2.pdf

6832-DELNP-2007-Form-3-(07-03-2011).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Form-3-(20-04-2011).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Form-3-(28-05-2012).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-3.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-form-5.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-GPA-(06-08-2013).pdf

6832-DELNP-2007-Others-Document-(17-11-2008).pdf

6832-delnp-2007-pct-210.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-pct-304.pdf

6832-delnp-2007-Petition-137-(06-08-2013).pdf

abstract.jpg


Patent Number 258508
Indian Patent Application Number 6832/DELNP/2007
PG Journal Number 03/2014
Publication Date 17-Jan-2014
Grant Date 16-Jan-2014
Date of Filing 03-Sep-2007
Name of Patentee ASTRIUM LIMITED
Applicant Address GUNNELS WOOD ROAD, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE SG1 2AS, UK
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ALAN DAVID COUCHMAN EADS ASTRIUM LIMITED, GUANNELS WOOD ROAD, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE SG1 2AS, GREAT BRITAIN
2 ADRIAN GEORGE RUSSELL EADS ASTRIUM LIMITED, GUANNELS WOOD ROAD, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE SG1 2AS, GREAT BRITAIN
PCT International Classification Number H04B 7/185
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB2006/000782
PCT International Filing date 2006-03-03
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0504521.6 2005-03-04 U.K.
2 05251558.2 2005-03-04 U.K.