Satellite communications play an important role in the development of new communications applications in Saudi Arabia and around the world. The most important elements for satellite communication are antennas. The multi-array antenna technology has the ability to create and electronically beam the radiation waves in different directions without moving the antennas. The technology of phased array antennas is still in its infancy stage. There are several directions to take advantage of recent developments in phased array antenna technology and how it affects the performance, energy consumption cost, and also easy to connect to satellites.
The project aims to transfer and localize the Ka-band electronic self-guided phased array antenna technology in collaboration with the best research groups at the University of California, San Diego, specializing in Phased-Array Antenna technologies. The project also aims to strengthen the skills of researchers from KACST in the design and construction of similar devices. One of the applications of this project is to enable and facilitate satellite communication where the final product is characterized by high speed radiation guidance and scanning angle of radiation ranging from ± 45 cm. The project consists of two main parts: