Antenna Alignment Method for Low Angular Error of 3-axis Tracking System

This paper describes the antenna alignment method of the tracking antenna system for LEO satellite. The purpose of the antenna alignment is to reduce the angular error due to the structural alignment and the monopulse null point alignment error. The angular error of 3 axis tracking system is the key performance parameter that should be minimized to accurately track satellite movement. The angular error is analyzed via a simulation and boresight measurement. The simulation is done with formulas to be derived from vector concept for 3-axis movement. The formulas of the structural alignment are verified by comparing the formula result with the field measurement. Also, the angular error due to monopulse null shift is obtained via boresight measurement. Based on the analyzed and measured results, the antenna alignment was performed and was verified via tracking test of operating LEO satellite.