Patent ID: 9673522
Date: 2017-06-06
CPC Classifications: H01Q

Claim:
1. A method for antenna pattern shaping to conform to earth landmasses of a geostationary communications satellite in orbit, the satellite having a reconfigurable faceted reflector and an antenna feed for illuminating the reconfigurable faceted reflector, the method comprising: receiving data describing a desired coverage area and an orbital position of the satellite; determining, based on the desired coverage area and the orbital position of the satellite, optimal positions for a plurality of reflector facets for radiating a desired antenna pattern corresponding to the desired coverage area, wherein the plurality of reflector facets are coupled to a plurality of adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the positions of the plurality of reflector facets, wherein the plurality of adjusting mechanisms are mounted to a backing structure, and wherein a plurality of fixed reflector facets are mounted to the backing structure and are not coupled to an adjusting mechanism; and adjusting, using the plurality of adjusting mechanisms, the positions of the plurality of reflector facets to the determined optimal positions for the plurality of reflector facets.