Vertex Tracking with X/Y Pedestal

Vertex tracking: When the satellite passes through the top position of the ground station, that is, the ground station antenna is in the skyward position, the ground station system can track the satellite in a timely and effective manner, and does not lose the target when the roof is over, ensuring the normal transmission of the communication. Moreover, it is possible to avoid communication interruption when the satellite crosses the overhead space of the antenna, and such a tracking mode is called over-top tracking. Vertex tracking is normally used for remote sensing tracking LEO and S/X band is often used for vertex tracking. 5.2m remote sensing antenna is a typical product in Antesky. Remote sensing is wide used in recent years.

The satellite are divided into synchronous orbit satellite, polar orbiting satellite and special purpose aircraft. The equipped ground station for synchronous orbit satellite The working range generally only requires a certain sector area, and no vertex tracking is required.While the polar orbiting satellite and special purpose aircraft require following:

Track and receive information as long as possible.
When the aircraft passes through the zenith, it is closest to the ground station and has the strongest signal.

Therefore, for polar-orbiting satellites and aircraft with special purpose, we often ask for vertex tracking.

Pedestal type for vertex tracking

X-Y type pedestal
Polar-axis type pedestal
Three-axis type pedestal
Inclined-axis type pedestal
AZ-EL type pedestal

X-Y type pedestal antenna

What is X-Y pedestal

This type of positioner is mainly used for high speed satellite tracking where key holds cannot be tolerated. The fixed axis points to the horizon and hence the only keyhole is at the horizon, which is too low for tracking. Full sky coverage can be achieved with ±90° motion in both axes.

The satellite of X-Y pedestal tracking

Generally, applicable to resource satellites with special purposes. such satellites are LEO, MEO orbiting satellites.

X-Y pedestal features
The antenna moves at a fast speed and can reach 5°/S.
No place where an object cannot be tracked (i.e. no key holes)
No cable wrap ambiguity
Application for Antesky X-Y pedestal antenna

Antesky 4.5-meter S/X dual-band X-Y pedetal antenna has a maximum tracking angular velocity of 5.4°/S for both the X-axis and the Y-axis. According to Antesky engineers’ calculation, the half-cone angle of the blind cone is 2.65°, which satisfies the orbit. Satellites with altitudes of 300KM and above achieve no blind zone tracking in the full working airspace with an initial tracking elevation angle of 3° or more.

Hope all info above can be helpful and interesting. For more info, please email to sales@antesky.com