D. M. Sazonov - D.Sc. (Eng.), Honored Professor, National Research University «Moscow Power Engineering Institute» (Moscow)

The first adaptive array antennas (so-called «self-adaptive» arrays) were created in 1964-1968 at the research and design firm, headed by Academician S. P. Korolev (now - S. P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation «Energia»). They were designed in cooperation with antenna department of Moscow Power Engineering Institute, headed by Prof. G. T. Markov. Two-frequency antenna system with 32 dipole radiators of circular polarization was operated in decimeter waveband. The dipoles were disposed on the cylindrical corps, which was orbital module, intended for planned expedition to the Moon. The high-gain antenna pattern was formed by means of beam forming microstrip matrix, equipped with system of PIN-diode switches. Automatic control was ensured to keep constant orientation of antenna main beam onto the Earth communication center. Realized antenna gain was about 16 dB. Successful functioning was provided at any evolutions of the orbital module, including probable non-staff situations. Some adaptive array copies were produced in a factory. All of them have successfully passed quality tests as well as military check-out. More simple adaptive arrays with six radiators have been successfully implemented in flights on various orbital space objects. During development of the first adaptive arrays some new technologies were created, and primarily this was fabrication of printed multilayer microstrip circuits for microwaves on foiled fiberglass-reinforced polytetrafluoroethy¬lene material FAF-4.