SpaceX patents method to self-calibrate large antenna arrays in flight
SpaceX has filed a patent for a way to automatically adjust the timing and strength of signals in large antenna arrays. The system measures how signals travel between different antenna elements to calculate corrections, ensuring the array works correctly without manual intervention.
In the filing’s own words
A method of calibrating a phased array antenna is provided. The method includes obtaining a first coupling measurement associated with a first over-the-air (OTA) path between first and second antenna elements, obtaining a second coupling measurement associated with a second OTA path between a third antenna element and the second antenna element, obtaining a third coupling measurement associated with a third OTA path between the first antenna element and a fourth antenna element, wherein the third OTA path is reciprocal to the second OTA path, obtaining a fourth coupling measurement associated with a fourth OTA path between the third and fourth antenna elements. An antenna lattice comprises periodically spaced antenna elements including the first, second, third, and fourth antenna elements. The method includes determining a phase correction factor or a gain correction factor between the first and third antenna elements based on the first, second, third, and fourth coupling measurements.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method for calibrating antenna elements of phased array antennas, the method comprising: obtaining a first mutual coupling measurement associated with a first over-the-air (OTA) signal path between a first antenna element and a second antenna element; obtaining a second mutual coupling measurement associated with a second OTA signal path between a third antenna element and the second antenna element; obtaining a third mutual coupling measurement associated with a third OTA signal path between the first antenna element and a fourth antenna element, wherein the third OTA signal path is reciprocal to the second OTA signal path; obtaining a fourth mutual coupling measurement associated with a fourth OTA signal path between the third antenna element and the fourth antenna element, wherein an antenna lattice of a phased array antenna comprises a plurality of periodically spaced antenna elements, the plurality of periodically spaced antenna elements including the first antenna element, the second antenna element, the third antenna element, and the fourth antenna element; and determining, based on the first mutual coupling measurement, the second mutual coupling measurement, the third mutual coupling measurement, and the fourth mutual coupling measurement, at least one of a phase correction factor or a gain correction factor between a complex gain of the first antenna element and a complex gain of the third antenna element.
Facts
- Company
- SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.)
- Official title
- OVER-THE-AIR SELF CALIBRATION FOR PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
- Publication number
- US20260280118A1
- Application number
- 19082011
- Filed
- Mar 17, 2025
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 22
Classified under
H01Q 3/267 Electricity & electronicsH04B 17/12 Electricity & electronicsH04B 17/18 Electricity & electronicsH04B 17/221 Electricity & electronicsMore from SpaceX in Networks & wireless
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.