Multibeam antennas for very high throughput satellites in Europe: Technologies and trends

This paper proposes an overview of recent European developments related to broadband satellite applications. Ka-band multi-beam antennas for user links and Q/V-band antennas for feeder links are crucial components to cope with stringent VHTS mission requirements. A brief presentation of technical trends since early 2000 is exposed with a specific focus on multi-beam antenna technology. Also, the main needs for upcoming VHTS systems and the key developments needed to increase significantly the overall system capacity of current satellites while maintaining total system cost competitive are presented.