System and Design Solutions for Ground-based Deep Space Infrastructure: Optimization of the Small-base Radio Interferometer

In this paper, we conducted diagonal methods for designing a non-equidistant linear antenna array with a fixed position of the direction of the maximum of the main lobe of the radiation pattern. This method allows you to get a low sidelobe level (SLL). Of interest is the analysis of a scanning non-equidistant antenna array, in which scanning is carried out by selecting the optimal number of elements from the total number of emitters with super-dense packaging. The interest in such a solution is due to the fact that the array under consideration does not assume the use of controlled phase shifters. Accordingly, the cost of such an antenna array can be significantly reduced compared to traditional solutions. Thus, it is of interest to use aperture antennas as elements of a phased array antenna, which makes it possible to use such arrays as radio interferometers. In radar and the use of ground-based radio interferometry systems with a long and ultra-long base, the position of the phase center and the methods of splitting the periodic structure of the directional multiplier are not of practical importance, but the use of arrays with a controlled phase center is of scientific interest when calculating the radiation pattern of aperture antenna arrays with a small base, as well as compact radio interferometers (LOFAR, SKA), as well as space-based remote sensing systems (SPORT). In the research, we will consider ways to control the radiation pattern of aperture emitters, using the example of mirror antennas, and to change the position of the phase center of the elements in the arrays.