TRAM antenna space experiments on the road to SBR

This paper describes two space experiments of a pervasive space-based phased array antenna technology based on the Transmit/Receive Antenna Module (TRAM) technology. TRAM is a 2D phased-array antenna concept with a focus on developing lightweight, manufacturable and affordable phased array antennas for space. A receive only TRAM will be flown on the STRV-1d in GEO-transfer orbit (GTO). STRV-1d is a yearlong radiation experiment. In 2003, a three to four satellite demonstration of the TechSat21 concept is proposed. TechSat21 is proposed to be a collaborating constellation of microsatellites. This flight will be the first demonstration of that concept performing representative RF missions. TRAM antennas, four square meters per satellite, will enable the key aspects of this flight. This yearlong mission is proposed for LEO. Interim ground and airborne TRAM experiments will precede the TechSat21 flight. The ultimate result of these experiments will be a space proven technology demonstrating both performance and affordability.