Abstract: An antenna system comprises: multiple antenna elements; and multiple beam forming networks configured to produce radiation patterns for both receiving and transmission functions configured to be optimized by re-positioning said antenna elements, wherein said beam forming networks comprise a receiving beam forming network configured to combine multiple first inputs from said antenna elements into at least a first output, and a transmission beam forming network configured to divide a second input into multiple second outputs to said antenna elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antenna architectures and methods on re-configurable multi-element antennas via feed re-positioning for various optimized radiation contours, including beam forming (or shaping) and/or null steering on contoured beams, spot beams, and orthogonal beams. The feed re-positioning techniques can also be used in radiation pattern optimization processing during antennas designing phases for fixed beams. The techniques are applicable for satellite communications. For satellite antennas, the beam shaping capability via element repositioning can be utilized for (1) optimized geometries on satellite antennas for given desired coverage areas, (2) re-optimizing radiation contours for reconfigurable antenna on board satellites in operation, (3) additional flexibility for satellite antennas using ground based beam forming (GBBF). As to satellite ground terminals, the same techniques are applicable for both fixed and mobile satellite terminals featuring either single beam or multiple beams.