Design and Implementation of Wideband Dual-Polarization Radiator for Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Applications

This paper describes the development of a wideband dual-polarization radiator for satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A dual-polarization radiator with wideband and high-directivity characteristics was designed for application in an active phased-array antenna for satellite SAR. The elevation array spacing was designed by considering the electrical beam steering function, and the dual-polarization radiator was designed within the elevation array spacing. In addition, metallic materials and white paint were applied so that the radiator can be used as a heat-dissipating structure. The space environment, materials, parts, and manufacturing processes were considered. Finally, the electrical performance was verified via active return loss and near field tests. It was confirmed that the developed radiator assembly satisfies the development requirements of a bandwidth of 12.2 % or more, dual polarization, directivity of OO.O dBi or more, beamwidth of O.OO° ± O.OO°, side lobe level of −OO dB or less, cross polarization level of −OO dB or less, and elevation beam steering range of ±OO°.