Active Ka-band phased array antenna with 22 dBi gain and ±60° azimuth / ±20° elevation beam steering for high-throughput satellite communications.
8×16 Ka-Band Phased Array Antenna
Active Ka-band phased array antenna with 22 dBi gain and ±60° azimuth / ±20° elevation beam steering for high-throughput satellite communications.
Description
Rapidtek's 8×16 Ka-Band Active Phased Array Antenna is an in-house developed electronically steerable antenna designed for CubeSat and small satellite high-throughput communication links. The array achieves 22 dBi gain with a narrow 9°–15° beam for high-gain communications and a switchable wide 45°–60° beam for acquisition. Beam steering covers ±60° in azimuth and ±20° in elevation, enabling reliable links during satellite passes without mechanical pointing. Total power consumption is under 21 W. This antenna is used in the Rapidtek Black Kite-1 8U CubeSat mission.
Specifications
| Array Size | 8×16 elements |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | Ka-band |
| Gain | 22 dBi |
| Beam Width (Narrow) | 9°–15° |
| Beam Width (Wide) | 45°–60° |
| Azimuth Scan Range | ±60° |
| Elevation Scan Range | ±20° |
| Power Consumption | <21 W |
| Type | Active electronically steered array (AESA) |