The objective of this program is to develop a practical and cost effective Active Electronically Steerable Array (AESA) for the purpose of Low and Medium Earth Orbit satellite networks. An AESA product would offer three distinct advantages over commonly used parabolic reflector antennas: 1. A low profile flat panel form factor, 2: Reduction (or possible elimination) of a mechanical positioning system typically used for steering of a parabolic reflector, and 3: very fast beam steering eliminating the need for dual antennas to achieve constant connectivity with MEO/LEO constellations.. The recent commercial development of ICs intended as discrete radiating components with individually adjustable radiation patterns are the foundation for this work. The product applications of this technology can be used both commercially and for the warfighter, either as a vehicular accessory for SATCOM on the move, or as a deployable antenna supporting a ground based terminal for the warfighter. Though this IC technology is designated as a commercial available product for satellite infrastructure, it is borne out of terrestrial 5G technology. This effort is intended to leverage the new 5G technology for the purpose of replacement of what would currently require a system based on a mechanically-steered parabolic reflector.
