Smart Apertures for In-Flight Electronically Steerable Antennas in LEO/MEO/GEO Satellite Constellations

In-Flight Connectivity services through satellite systems is expected to grow exponentially throughout the 2020 decade. The  deployment of high throughput satellites and megaconstellations in low and medium earth orbits will result in higher demand and lower running costs. However, in addition to harsh environmental conditions, antenna systems must overcome important challenges derived from heterogenous scenarios and the associated regulations. This paper focuses on these aspects and proposes smart apertures based on electronically steerable antennas to enable multiple beam and fast steering capabilities and to mitigate the restrictions of emission in the geostationary arc.