The IRIDIUM main mission antenna concept

The design of a novel phase array panel that provides the L-band satellite to ground links for the IRIDIUM global communications system is presented. Key components and aspects of this phase array antenna are discussed including the beamforming architecture, radiated intermodulation products, the patch radiators, and the T/R module. The strategy for minimizing DC power consumption over a large range of multicarrier RF output power is described. Finally, test results showing compliant array operation are summarized.