Patent attributes
A system of architecture, apparatus and calibration method is invented for high-power flexible-polarization payload for satellite communications. The system comprises onboard phase-tracked apparatus, flexible polarization mechanism, and in-orbit calibration method. The power combining and polarization performance of the phase-tracked payload is monitored on ground by measuring the cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) and/or axial ratio (AR). The high performance over the life is achieved by optimization of the XPD or AR on ground and adjusting complex gain of the transponders. The high-power flexible-polarization in-orbit-calibration payload may be applied but not limited to UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku and Ka-band high power satellite systems.