Full Range Antenna Testing

FreeFall Aerospace has completed a week-long series of tests on its new antenna system technology that has a wide field-of-view while maintaining high data rates. The technology combines a hemispherical shaped reflector with an antenna feed design that services multiple users across a wide field of view without any mechanical movement.

As the test reflector was 2 meters (6.5 ft) in diameter and stationary, this antenna allows for fast-tracking and a wide field-of-view. These features are applicable in communicating with Low Earth Orbit constellation satellites when facing up towards space and with multiple users over a wide area when facing the earth from a high altitude.

The 300-acre, world-class United States Army Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) facility provided the equipment and expertise to support a full range of antenna testing to complement FreeFall’s in-house lab testing. Located in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the EPG testing facility was an ideal location with respect to its proximity to FreeFall Aerospace’s headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.

This test measured the true far-field patterns of selected states of the cross-feed antenna system. FreeFall Aerospace was able to determine patterns with good cross-polarization ratios and side-lobe ratios, have beam widths that were often wider than expected while retaining expected gain, and the multi-feed antenna pattern features aligned with expectations.