A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based coverage for cellular communication. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens is positioned with the other lenses in a staggered arrangement. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically phase compensate the output beams produced by the RF elements based on the relative distance between the RF elements.

A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based coverage for cellular communication. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens is positioned with the other lenses in a staggered arrangement. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically phase compensate the output beams produced by the RF elements based on the relative distance between the RF elements.

A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based coverage for cellular communication. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens is positioned with the other lenses in a staggered arrangement. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically phase compensate the output beams produced by the RF elements based on the relative distance between the RF elements.

A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based coverage for cellular communication. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens is positioned with the other lenses in a staggered arrangement. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically phase compensate the output beams produced by the RF elements based on the relative distance between the RF elements.

The present invention relates to a feed-motion antenna device. Provided is an antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites, the antenna comprising a fixedly mounted antenna reflector, a moveable feed, a feed positioner configured to move the feed in the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the feed positioned having a primary rotation axis and an auxiliary rotation axis, and a control device configured to send control signals to the feed positioner. The primary rotation axis of the feed positioner passes through the center of the antenna reflector and the primary rotation axis is perpendicular to the focal plane of the antenna reflector; the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is parallel to the primary rotation axis. The feed positioner comprises an equal-arm structure comprising a first arm and a second arm, and each arm is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the primary and auxiliary rotation axes. The first arm is connected at one its end to the primary rotation axis and adapted to be rotated around the primary rotation axis, the feed is connected to an end of the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other at the auxiliary rotation axis and are adapted to be rotated with respect to each other. The diameter of the antenna reflector is at least 1.5 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is at least 1.0 m.

Further provided is a method for receiving satellite data by means of the offered antenna.

The present invention relates to a feed-motion antenna device. Provided is an antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites, the antenna comprising a fixedly mounted antenna reflector, a moveable feed, a feed positioner configured to move the feed in the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the feed positioned having a primary rotation axis and an auxiliary rotation axis, and a control device configured to send control signals to the feed positioner. The primary rotation axis of the feed positioner passes through the center of the antenna reflector and the primary rotation axis is perpendicular to the focal plane of the antenna reflector; the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is parallel to the primary rotation axis. The feed positioner comprises an equal-arm structure comprising a first arm and a second arm, and each arm is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the primary and auxiliary rotation axes. The first arm is connected at one its end to the primary rotation axis and adapted to be rotated around the primary rotation axis, the feed is connected to an end of the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other at the auxiliary rotation axis and are adapted to be rotated with respect to each other. The diameter of the antenna reflector is at least 1.5 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is at least 1.0 m.

Further provided is a method for receiving satellite data by means of the offered antenna.

The described features generally relate to adjusting a native antenna pattern of a satellite to adapt communications via the satellite. For example, a communications satellite may include an antenna having a feed array assembly, a reflector, and a linear actuator coupled between the feed array assembly and the reflector. The feed array assembly may have a plurality of feeds for communicating signals associated with a communications service, and the reflector may be configured to reflect the signals transmitted between the feed array assembly and one or more target devices. The linear actuator may have an adjustable length, or otherwise provide an adjustable position between the feed array assembly and the reflector. By adjusting the position of the feed array assembly relative to the reflector, the communications satellite may provide a communications service according to a plurality of native antenna patterns.

The described features generally relate to adjusting a native antenna pattern of a satellite to adapt communications via the satellite. For example, a communications satellite may include an antenna having a feed array assembly, a reflector, and a linear actuator coupled between the feed array assembly and the reflector. The feed array assembly may have a plurality of feeds for communicating signals associated with a communications service, and the reflector may be configured to reflect the signals transmitted between the feed array assembly and one or more target devices. The linear actuator may have an adjustable length, or otherwise provide an adjustable position between the feed array assembly and the reflector. By adjusting the position of the feed array assembly relative to the reflector, the communications satellite may provide a communications service according to a plurality of native antenna patterns.

An Array-Fed Reflector (AFR) antenna assembly is provided comprising an AFR antenna comprising a feed array a reflector, and a mechanism for moving a position of the reflector relative to a position of the feed array such that a focal region of the reflector is movable with respect to the position of the feed array.

The antenna system and the method receive signals having radio frequencies in a plurality of radio frequency bands. The antenna system includes a support assembly, a primary reflector that is coupled to the support assembly, a feed assembly that is movably coupled to the support assembly, and a first feed and a second feed fixedly coupled to the feed assembly. The first feed and the second feed are configured to communicate RF signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, respectively, of the plurality of frequency bands. The antenna system also includes a first actuator that is configured to move the feed assembly from a first feed assembly position, where the first feed is positioned along a first signal path with the primary reflector, to a second feed assembly position, where the second feed is positioned along a second signal path with the primary reflector.