USH1383H
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Space-based tethered phased-array antenna
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1992-03-31
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Granted: 1994-12-06
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Expires: 2012-03-31
Abstract
Abstract An unsupported, flexible, quasi-linear phased-array antenna within a space-based radar system which is tethered to a host satellite in free space. The antenna is formed by a plurality of antenna elements which are connected serially along a common axis. The antenna points in an Earth-pointing direction via gravity-gradient forces acting thereon. The phased-array antenna is capable of radiating a narrow electromagnetic beam in the end-fire direction along the array either in a spot or conical beam for detecting, identifying and tracking moving targets on or near the Earth's surface. According to one aspect of the invention, the phased-array antenna forms an elongated conductor which moves through a magnetic field in space for generating electrical power.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Kaplan
- 👤 Cynthia King
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:54
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A phased-array antenna for use in a space-based radar system that radiates a narrow, steerable, electromagnetic beam in a specified direction to detect, identify and track targets on or near the surface of the earth, said antenna comprising: a plurality of antenna elements having a predetermined spacing from one another; interconnecting means for operatively interconnecting said antenna elements to form an array having a proximal end operatively connected to a satellite and a distal end, said distal end being unsupported and unfixed; and communications means disposed within said interconnecting means for conveying radar signals between said satellite and said antenna elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A phased-array antenna for use in a space-based radar system that radiates a narrow, steerable, electromagnetic beam in a specified direction to detect, identify and track targets on or near the surface of the earth, said antenna comprising: a plurality of antenna elements having a predetermined spacing from one another; interconnecting means for operatively interconnecting said antenna elements to form an array having a proximal end operatively connected to a satellite and a distal end, said distal end being unsupported and unfixed; and communications means disposed within said interconnecting means for conveying radar signals between said satellite and said antenna elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The phased-array antenna as in claim 1, further comprising a means for producing phase shift control signals for controlling the phase of said radar signals, thereby steering a resultant beam produced by said antenna.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 1, wherein said antenna elements are non-rigidly connected by said interconnecting means such that said antenna is bendable both along its length and about said satellite.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The phased-array antenna as in claim 1, wherein said antenna elements are interconnected to form a substantially linear array.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 1, wherein said predetermined spacing is between approximately 1/5 and 1/6 Γ.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 1, wherein said array of antenna elements radiates said electromagnetic beam in a substantially end-fire direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 1, wherein said first and second antenna elements are cross-dipole radiating antennas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
92 words
A phased-array antenna for use within a space-based radar system which provides a steerable, end-fire, electromagnetic beam to detect, identify and track targets on or near the surface of the earth, comprising: a plurality of antenna elements having a predetermined spacing from one another and receiving phase shifted radar signals so as to produce said beam; and interconnecting means for operatively connecting said first and second antenna elements to form an array having a proximal end operatively connected to a satellite and a distal end, said distal end being unsupported and unfixed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
92 words
A phased-array antenna for use within a space-based radar system which provides a steerable, end-fire, electromagnetic beam to detect, identify and track targets on or near the surface of the earth, comprising: a plurality of antenna elements having a predetermined spacing from one another and receiving phase shifted radar signals so as to produce said beam; and interconnecting means for operatively connecting said first and second antenna elements to form an array having a proximal end operatively connected to a satellite and a distal end, said distal end being unsupported and unfixed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 8, further comprising means for producing phase shift control signals for controlling the phase of said radar signals, thereby steering a resultant beam produced by said antenna.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 9, wherein said predetermined spacing is between approximately 1/5 and 1/6 Γ.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The phased-array antenna system as in claim 9, wherein said antenna elements are cross-dipole radiating antennas.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-12-05 | 1998-06-06 | 1998-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-12-05 | 2002-06-06 | 2002-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-12-05 | 2006-06-06 | 2006-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |