Discharge phenomena of high-power radiation antennas

We have been engaged in the research work for developing a high-power radiation antenna for SPS and SAR satellite. Discharge phenomena is one of significant problems of such high-power antennas. High-power microwave radiation antenna that can radiate several hundred W/m² is required for wireless power transmission by microwaves from space to the ground or for the earth observation from space. Because, microwaves are not affected by the atmosphere and have a very few attenuations. The discharge phenomena may be caused by using high-power microwave in the space environment. If the discharge occurs in the high-power radiation antennas, high-power microwave components may be damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the discharge phenomena in the space environment to avoid malfunctions of the satellite. But there are some uncertainties about the mechanism of them. In this paper, we will describe the results of the discharge experiments using the high-power radiation antenna and evaluation method of the discharge analysis by simulation.