Patent ID: 8482610

Claim:
An imaging microsatellite having an integrated antenna system, the microsatellite comprising: a body comprising a plurality of surfaces forming an interior cavity and an opening in the body; a door attached to at least one of the plurality of surfaces, the door comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the door movable from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the door covers the opening and in the open position the door uncovers the opening; the integrated antenna system comprising: an antenna reflector attached to the interior surface of the door; an antenna feed support attached to the antenna reflector or the door; and an antenna feed attached to the antenna feed support, wherein the antenna feed support is configured to secure the antenna feed in a fixed position relative to the antenna reflector; and an imaging system disposed within the interior cavity of the body of the microsatellite, the imaging system configured to image a field of view through the opening when the door is in the open position; wherein the integrated antenna system is configured to: fit within the interior cavity without coming into contact with the imaging system when the door is in the closed position; and move with the door through the opening in an unobstructed manner when the door moves from the closed position to the open position.