Analysis of a Distributed Array System for Satellite Acquisition

Orbiting satellites and other spatial vehicles have complex trajectories that can usually be precisely approximated with analytical or numerical trajectory estimation algorithms. However, some scenarios, such as Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) or critical maneuvers, present greater angular uncertainty. During these, large dish antennas used for telemetry, tracking, & command (TT&C) may have too narrow a beamwidth to perform a reliable and fast acquisition. A novel acquisition aid system based on distributed array elements placed on the rim of the main antenna's reflector has been implemented and successfully tested with real satellite signals. This paper presents an analysis of the proposed solution, from a system engineering perspective, exposes several simulations carried out in MATLAB, which motivated some of the design criteria, and compares them with the actual results obtained in field campaigns, thus deriving the final figures of merit (FoM) of the system.