Multiple beam deployable space antenna system

(19)

(11)

EP 0 421 722 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	13.11.1991 Bulletin 1991/46

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	10.04.1991 Bulletin 1991/15

(21)	Application number: 90310760.5

(22)	Date of filing: 02.10.1990

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁵: H01Q 25/00, H01Q 21/20, H01Q 1/08, H01Q 19/06

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

(30)

Priority:

02.10.1989 US 415814

(71)	Applicant: MOTOROLA INC.
	Schaumburg Illinois 60196 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Bertiger, Bary Robert Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 (US) Leopold, Raymond Joseph Chandler, Arizona 85224 (US) Peterson, Kenneth Maynard Tempe, Arizona 85283 (US)

(74)	Representative: Dunlop, Hugh Christopher et al
	Motorola, European Intellectual Property, Midpoint, Alencon Link Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7PL Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7PL (GB)

(56)

References cited: :

(54)	Multiple beam deployable space antenna system

(57) A multiple beam space antenna system for facilitating communications between a satellite switch (100) and a plurality of earth-based stations (1,a,b,) is shown. The antenna is deployed after the satellite is in orbit by inflation of a raft-type supporting structure which contains a number of antenna horns (80). These antenna horns are oriented in substantially concentric circular groups (A-D) about a centrally located antenna horn (80). Each of the antenna beams projects an area on the earth. Each of the areas (a,b) of the beams are contiguous. As a result, one large area is subdivided into many smaller areas to facilitate communications. In addition, a lens (FIG. 7C and 7D) may be employed to focus the beams of the horn antennas.

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