Reflectarray RF Modeling and Optimization for the VenSAR Mission

This paper describes the RF modeling and optimization of the reflectarray antenna for the Venus Synthetic Aperture Radar (VenSAR) instrument. VenSAR is a dual-polarized radar operating at S-band (3.2 GHz). The antenna will be employed to perform scientific studies of the surface of Venus. The reflectarray is illuminated by a feed, which is composed of two horns to generate dual polarization (horizontal and vertical). The reflectarray was optimized for beamwidth, side-lobe level, and directivity using the QUPES tool of TICRA. The RF model includes the impact of the spacecraft deck on which the reflectarray antenna is mounted. A comparison is made of the reflectarray performance including a preliminary representation of the top deck to the ideal case (no scattering from the deck).

本文描述了用于金星合成孔径雷达（VenSAR）仪器的反射阵列天线的射频建模与优化。VenSAR是一款工作于S波段（3.2 GHz）的双极化雷达，该天线将用于开展金星表面的科学研究。反射阵列由一个馈源照射，该馈源包含两个喇叭以产生双极化（水平与垂直）。反射阵列通过TICRA公司的QUPES工具针对波束宽度、旁瓣电平及方向性进行了优化。射频模型包含了反射阵列天线所安装的航天器甲板的影响。本文对包含顶部甲板初步模型的反射阵列性能与理想情况（无甲板散射）进行了对比。