Abstract: The present invention features a cross-element, steerable, scanning meander line loaded (MLA) antenna with circular polarization. The transmission lines comprise a plurality of alternating or stepped impedance sections with the high impedance elements acting as active antenna elements. The impedance varies depending upon the spacing from the moveable ground plane. The orthogonal MLA elements allow the application of an in-phase and a 90° shifted signal, thus each linear array radiates a circularly polarized RF signal. Controlling the spacing between the ground plane and transmission line provides relative phase control between the active elements and thereby phased-array directional control of the antenna. Forming a two-dimensional array of these linear arrays, produces a compact, low-cost, scanning, phased-array antenna.