Communication and tracking antenna systems for satellites

A communication and tracking antenna is formed by embedding a tracking patch array in a shaped dual gridded reflector. The reflector includes first and second reflector grids that have orthogonally arranged grid lines and are respectively fed by feed horns. The patch array is positioned so that the first reflector grid is between the patch array and the first feed horn. The first reflector grid thus serves as a filter to remove unwanted polarization components and enhance the quality of both the tracking radiation and the radiation that is reflected from the second reflector grid. In other embodiments, a tracking array is positioned adjacent a reflector's perimeter.