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Calculation of Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization

for non-horizontal aligned Antennas
Algorithm Description

Technical Document
TD-1205-a
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

In Co-operation with

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Change Log:

V1.3
Corrected error in the example: Values for latitude and longitude were inverted in the
parameter table for the antenna’s location. Correct values are now given as longitude=11°
and latitude=50°.°

V1.4: Updated satellite table in chapter 2.3 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

and updated formula 𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 on page 12 and formula 𝜏𝜏 = on page 18.

Errors in Eqs. on p. 12 corrected:

Wrong equations so far:

Corrected equations:

V2.0: new release generated.

V2.1: Updated satellite table in chapter 2.3 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

V2.2: error correction in text at page 8, numbering formulas

Updated satellite table in chapter 2.3 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites, 10.04.2018

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V3.0: The paper of [Link] Transformation form spatial to geographical coordinates, in

Survey Review XXIII, p. 181, 1976, is fully considered. Therefore: On page 12 the part

was changed, on 11.02.2019, to

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Objective

Many SatCom applications are based on non-stationary terminals e.g. mounted on trucks or vessels.
In the general case, the related antenna base is not horizontal whereas the offset angles are
measured with adequate inclinometers. These offset angles have to be taken into account when
commanding the azimuth, elevation and polarization drives of the non-horizontal terminal. This
document presents a numeric algorithm that can calculate the pointing angles for a non-horizontal
aligned antenna.

Decision Matrix: Which approach is most suitable for my application?

Tilted Antenna
no System? yes

Choose preferences: Any of the following points is true:

- Only result matters - Antenna elevation (pointing to target satellite) is bigger

- Computer algorithm
- Only hand calculator than the limit angles of inclinometer
preferred
available - Dynamic system (antenna tilt is continuously changing)
- Intermediate data (e.g:
- Calculation errors - Full knowledge of antenna orientation is desired
coordinate system, …)
from simplifications - Initial pointing shall be found very fast
required for analysis or
(up to 0.5°) can be visualization
tolerated - Account higher order effect
- Formulas preferred for full precision of results no yes

Alternate approach for pointing antenna to

target is available (without knowledge of no
correct pointing angles)
 Only Polarization correction is preferred
yes

Inclinometer can be mounted on the no

polarization drive

yes

Use Formulas or Algorithm + One Use Algorithm + Two Axis

Use Formulas Use Algorithm Inclinometers Solution
(switch to formula document) (this document) Axis Inclinometers Solution
(this document; See special notes
(See special notes Step 4 Case C)
Step 4 Case B)

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Table of Contents

Technical Document TD-1205-a ........................................................................................................ 1

1 Mathematical Background .............................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Matrix rules ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Vector rules ............................................................................................................................. 7
2 Numeric Algorithm Description....................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Algorithm Overview................................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites ................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Algorithm Details ..................................................................................................................... 9

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1 Mathematical Background
The presented algorithm uses a lot of vector calculus. This chapter gives a short overview of the
required basic operations. The reader should consult a mathematics book for a detailed description.

1.1 Matrix rules

(1-1)

Matrix Transpose:

(1-2)

Matrix Multiplication:

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
(1-3)

Rotation Matrixes are defined as:

Information: cosd and sind in the following means that cos and sin are calculated using degrees.

1 0 0
𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (𝛼𝛼[°]) = �0 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼) −𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼)� (Transformation around the x-Axis) (1-4)
0 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼) 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼)

𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼) 0 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼)
𝑅𝑅𝑦𝑦 (𝛼𝛼[°]) = � 0 1 0 � (Transformation around the y-Axis) (1-5)
−𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼) 0 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼)

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𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼) −𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼) 0
𝑅𝑅𝑧𝑧 (𝛼𝛼[°]) = � 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝛼𝛼) 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝛼𝛼) 0� (Transformation around the z-Axis) (1-6)
0 0 1

Coordinate System definitions:

Any Coordinate System consists of a transform and an origin vector.

Coordinate systems transforms are defined as:

𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = [ �����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 𝑒𝑒����⃑
����⃑ 𝑧𝑧 ]
(1-7)

were �����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 are the three perpendicular unit vectors of the coordinate system. The unit
vectors are defined as column vectors. The document uses the following naming convention: A
coordinate system transform is always depicted with the capital letter T. The subscript shows the
name of the coordinate system as well as the coordinate system wherein it is defined.

In addition every coordinate system has its origin:

𝑥𝑥
𝑟𝑟⃑𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = �𝑦𝑦�
𝑧𝑧
(1-8)

The document uses the following naming convention: A coordinate system origin is always depicted
with the letter r. The subscript naming rules are similar to the rules for coordinate system
transforms.

1.2 Vector rules

Vectors are defined as column vectors.

(1-9)

Cross Product rule:

(1-10)

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2 Numeric Algorithm Description

2.1 Algorithm Overview
The algorithm uses coordinate systems as well as matrix transformations to find the problem
solution. The Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinate system is used as inertial frame. Its XY-
Plane is the equatorial plane with X-Axis pointing in longitude 0° direction. The algorithm uses five
stages to derive the pointing angles:

1. The GEO-Satellite coordinate system is defined in the ECEF coordinate system (multiple
variants are feasible)
2. The Earth-Surface coordinate system at the antennas position is defined in the ECEF
coordinate system (multiple variants are feasible, depending on the required accuracy)
3. The GEO-Satellite coordinate system is transformed to the Earth-Surface coordinate system.
With this result the pointing coordinate system in the Earth-Surface coordinate system is
derived.
4. The antenna coordinate system is defined in the Earth-Surface coordinate system
5. The pointing coordinate system is transformed to the antenna coordinate system and the
Euler angles representing the antennas azimuth, elevation and polarization are calculated

2.2 Parameters
The user needs knowledge of the following parameters to calculate the antenna pointing angles:
Information Name Parameter Unit Value used in Description
example
calculation
GEO 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Satellite Position [°] 7° Measured positive in east direction. Value is in the
Satellite (Longitude) range of 0° to 360°
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Satellite Position [°] 14° Measured positive in north direction. Value is in the
(Latitude) range of 90° to -90°
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Polarization Angle [°] -22° The value is the angle that aligns the Pol-Vector of the
(Is Skew Angle for (Note: For satellite antenna with the equatorial plane when
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0) most Eutelsat rotating around the vector from the satellite center of
Satellites the mass to the earth center.
skew angle is If the Satellite is in the equatorial plane,
3.535°) implying 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0, this is the angle between the
equatorial plane and the polarization direction, being
the skew angle.
Antenna 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Position [°] 11° Measured positive in east direction. Value is in the
Position Longitude range of 0° to 360°
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Position [°] 50° Measured positive in north direction. Value is in the
Latitude range of 90° to -90°
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 or Antenna Altitude or [m] 𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒ℎ Altitude above mean sea level of the antenna or
𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒ℎ Earth Radius 6378000m Earth radius
Depends on the chosen earth model (See algorithm
step 2 for details)
Antenna 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Roll [°] 14° The prime inclinometer is placed in the rotating part of
Orientation (Prime Inclinometer) the station which generates the azimuth movement.
(See It is aligned with the azimuth direction antenna main
Chapter 2.4 beam at elevation 0° (See Figure 5 Chapter 2.4)
Step 4) Measured Clockwise
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Pitch [°] 8° The secondary inclinometer is placed in the rotating
(Secondary part of the station which generates the azimuth
Inclinometer) movement.
It is aligned with the elevation axis (See Figure 5
Chapter 2.4) Measured Clockwise
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 In Plane (Horizon) [°] 68° Defines the angle of the prime inclinometer measured
azimuth angle of the in the earth surface plane (See Figure 5 Chapter 2.4)
prime Inclinometer Measured Clockwise
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 Azimuth offset [°] 52° Optional when measuring parameters with an initial
correction tracking cycle: Offset of the azimuth axis during
measurement. Measured Clockwise (See Chapter 2.4 –
Step 4B)
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2.3 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

Please refer to ANNEX 1

Note about the value of the skew of the Eutelsat satellites: The reference X-polarization (horizontal)
is defined as that polarization whose plane makes an angle of 93.535° in an anti-clockwise direction,
looking towards the earth, about a reference vector with respect to a plane containing this vector
and the pitch axis. The reference vector is defined as the vector from the satellite in the direction
0.21° towards West and 6.07° towards north in satellite coordinates. The reference Y-polarization
(vertical) is defined as that polarization whose plane is orthogonal to the X polarization plane and the
reference vector defined above. In other words the polarization skew angle of the EUTELSAT
satellites is +3.535°, clock-wise when looking at the satellite from the subsatellite point, while in the
southern hemisphere the polarization skew angle of the EUTELSAT satellites is +183.535°, clock-wise.

2.4 Algorithm Details

Step 1: GEO-Satellite coordinate system

Goal: Define the position and orientation of the Satellite

The position (origin of the GEO-Satellite is calculated with spherical coordinates and is dependent on
its radius, the longitude and latitude as (GEO satellite origin in ECEF System):

𝑟𝑟𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 )

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = � 𝑟𝑟𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) � (2-1)
𝑟𝑟𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 )

Example: 𝑟𝑟𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 42164200𝑚𝑚 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 7° 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 14°

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =

The GEO satellite coordinate system transform is defined as following: X-Axis is parallel to the nadir
(earth center) direction. The X-Axis points away from earth. The Y/Z-Axes are aligned with the
polarization planes of the GEO satellite antenna. The matrix results from three rotations: Longitude,
Latitude and Polarization (GEO transform in ECEF System):

𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐹𝐹 = 𝑅𝑅𝑍𝑍 (𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑌𝑌 (−𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ) (2-2)= GEO transform in ECEF System
(2-2)

Example: 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 7° 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 14° 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = −22°

𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ ∗

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𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗

𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =

Output: The origin vector (𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ) and transform (𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ) of the Geo-Satellite in the ECEF-
Frame

Figure 1: ECEF System and the Satellite System

Step 2: Earth-Surface coordinate system

Goal: Find the position and orientation of the earth surface coordinate system (at the antennas
position)

Note: There are several earth models available that can be used for this purpose. Two alternatives
are depicted here. First the usage of a spherical earth model that is very easy to handle but

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introduces pointing errors up to around 0.8°. Second the WGS84 model that handles the first order
gravitational anomalies and is therefore much more accurate but involves more calculation work.

a) Spherical earth model

The antennas position being the earth surface coordinate system origin is calculated using longitude
and latitude in spherical coordinates. With the earth radius the position is calculated as following:

𝑟𝑟𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = � 𝑟𝑟𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) � = Earth Surface origin in ECEF System
𝑟𝑟𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )
(2-3)

Example: 𝑟𝑟𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ = 6378000 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 50° 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 11°

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =

The earth surface coordinate system transform matrix is constructed from unit vectors. The XY-Plane
is parallel to the ground. The Z-Axis points to nadir (earth center) direction. The X-Axis points in the
north direction.

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = − is the negative normalized origin vector (2-4)
�𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 �

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_0
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =
����⃑ is perpendicular to the north direction (2-5)
����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_0 �

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =
����⃑ points to north and completes the orthogonal system (2-6)
����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑦 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 �
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = �𝑒𝑒����⃑𝑥𝑥 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑒𝑒����⃑

𝑦𝑦 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � = Earth Surface transform in ECEF System
(2-7)

Example:

 4.024376106 
 5
 7.82259810 
 4.885832106   −0.631
=
−   
= 
ez ESA ECEF  −0.123
( 4.02437610 ) + ( 7.82259810 ) + ( 4.88583210 ) −0.766
6 2 5 2 6 2

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 −0.631 0   −0.123
 −0.123 × 0   0.631 
       −0.1913
 −0.766  1 
  =0.   0.9815 
=
ey ESA ECEF =  
 −0.631 0  ( −0.123) + ( 0.631) + ( 0 )
2 2 2
 0. 
� −0.123 × 0  �
 −0.766  1 

 −0.1913  −0.631
 0.9815  ×  −0.123
     −0.7518
 0.   −0.766  
ex ESA ECEF = =  −0.1465
��
1
 0.6428 

 −0.7518 −0.1913 −0.631

 −0.1465 0.9815 −0.123
𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ex ESA ECEF ey ESA ECEF ez ESA ECEF  =
 
 0.6428 0. −0.766 

b) WGS84 earth model

The earth ellipsoid is used in the calculations to increase accuracy. The calculation requires the values
of the major and minor semi-axes of the earth ellipsoid. These values are constants and defined as:

𝑎𝑎 = 6378137.0 𝑏𝑏 = 6356752.314

Additional we require the following values:

√𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑏𝑏 2 √𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑏𝑏 2 𝑎𝑎
𝑒𝑒1 = 𝑒𝑒2 = 𝑛𝑛 =
𝑎𝑎 𝑏𝑏 �1 − 𝑒𝑒12 sin2 (𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )
(2-8)

With the antenna altitude (Height above mean sea level) the position is calculated as following.

(𝑛𝑛 + 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑡𝑡 ) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = � (𝑛𝑛 + 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) � (2-9)
𝑛𝑛 ∗ (1 − 𝑒𝑒12 + 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )

For the calculation of the surface system we require the following two additional values (see
[Link] (1976):

𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑧𝑧
𝑡𝑡0 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 � 2
𝑏𝑏 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑥𝑥 2
+𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑦𝑦 )
� (2-10a)

𝑏𝑏 𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑧𝑧 +𝑏𝑏∙𝑒𝑒22 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 3(𝑡𝑡0)

𝑢𝑢 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 � ∙ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝑟𝑟⃑2 2 2 3 � (2-10b)
𝑎𝑎 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑥𝑥 +𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝑦𝑦 )−𝑎𝑎∙𝑒𝑒1 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡0)

The orientation matrix is constructed from unit vectors. The XY-Plane is perpendicular to the
gravitational vector. The Z-Axis points downwards. The X-Axis points in the north direction.

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𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝑢𝑢) ∗ 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )
���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = − � 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝑢𝑢) ∗ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) � is
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝑢𝑢)
parallel to the gravitation (2-11)

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_0
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =
����⃑ is perpendicular to the north direction (2-12)
����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_0 �

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =
����⃑ points to north and completes the orthogonal system (2-13)
����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑦 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 �
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = �𝑒𝑒����⃑𝑥𝑥 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑒𝑒����⃑

𝑦𝑦 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � = Earth Surface transform in ECEF System
(2-14)

Output: The origin vector (𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ) and transform matrix (𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ) of the Earth-Surface
coordinate system in the ECEF-Frame

Figure 2: Added Earth Surface System

Step 3: Derive the untilted pointing system

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Goal: Find the coordinate system, that describes the correct pointing for the untilted antenna

The GEO-Satellite position and orientation is defined in the ECEF frame (results from step 1). For the
calculation of the pointing system we require the GEO-Satellite position and orientation as seen from
the earth surface system (results from step 2). Therefore we apply a transformation. Note that all
arguments on the right side of the equations have to be defined in the same base system (here ECEF)
for the transformation to be valid.

𝑇𝑇
𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ∗ �𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 − 𝑟𝑟⃑𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � = GEO origin in Earth Surface System (2-15)

𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 𝑇𝑇𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ∗ 𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = GEO transform in Earth Surface System
(2-16)
Example: With the systems from the steps above

4.0606793 107 4.024376 106

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ ��4.9858876 10 � − �7.822598 105 ��
6

1.0200443 107 4.885832 106

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ =

𝑇𝑇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ =

Now we have the vector from the station to the satellite. Thus we can calculate the range as
following:

2 2 2
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = �𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � = ��𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � + �𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � + �𝑟𝑟𝑧𝑧 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 �
(2-17)
Example:

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = =

Next the required pointing coordinate system can be derived. The Antenna must point to the GEO
satellite and be aligned with the polarization axes of the GEO satellite antenna. The pointing
direction is easy to find as it is parallel to the calculated range vector. For the polarization directions:
Remember that the Y/Z-Axes of the GEO transform had been chosen parallel to the polarization axes
in step 1. Therefore we can use cross product to project the directions. The formulas are:

𝑟𝑟⃑𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =
����⃑ 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅
is the normalized vector to the GEO satellite

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(2-18)

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦
����⃑ = is aligned with the polarization plane (2-19)
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑧𝑧 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 �

����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = completes the orthogonal system (2-20)
����⃑
�𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 × ����⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑦𝑦 �
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = �𝑒𝑒����⃑𝑥𝑥 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑒𝑒����⃑

𝑦𝑦 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ���⃑
𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑧 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 � (2-21)
= Pointing transform in Earth Surface System

Example:
 −2.4702260107 
 6
 −2.872355510 
 −2.7671543107   −0.6639 
ex POINTING ESA =   =  −0.0772 
3.720438639107  
 −0.7437 

 0.7303  −0.6639   −0.3326 

 0.3890  ×  −0.0772   0.9161 
       −0.3342 
 −0.5619   −0.7437   0.2018 
=
ey POINTING ESA = =  0.9205 
 0.7303  −0.6639  ( −0.3326 ) + ( 0.9161) + ( 0.2018)  0.2028 
2 2 2

� 0.3890  ×  −0.0772  �

 −0.5619   −0.7437 

 −0.6639   −0.3342 
 −0.0772  ×  0.9205 
     0.6689 
 −0.7437   0.2028  
ez POINTING ESA =  0.3831 
=
1
 −0.6369 

 −0.6639 −0.3342 0.6689 

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = e
 x POINTING ESA ey POINTING ESA ez POINTING ESA  =  −0.0772 0.9205 0.3831 
 −0.7437 0.2028 −0.6369 

Output: The pointing matrix (𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ) in the Earth-Surface System and optional the Range if
required

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Figure 3: Added Pointing System

Step 4: Antenna coordinate system

Goal: Find the position and orientation of the antenna in the earth surface system

Note: The following chapter gives a detailed insight over the methods and backgrounds required to
handle a tilted antenna system. It describes the mathematical backgrounds of a tilted antenna
system as well as the details required for error handling and correction. It gives engineering tips that
can be applied to improve the antenna system for tilted applications. It states contingency
procedures that can be applied to measure or calculate parameters required for antenna calibration
and setup. The reader should always bear in mind that step 4 has only one goal: Find the antenna
orientation matrix in the earth surface system (𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸). Once found the algorithm can continue
with step 5.

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Case A: Untilted antenna system

For the trivial case where the antenna has no tilt and is aligned with the earth surface system
(Azimuth=0° is north; Elevation=0° is horizon), the orientation matrix results in the identity matrix

1 0 0
𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = �0 1 0� (2-22)
0 0 1

The algorithm can continue with step 5.

Case B: Tilted antenna system (Two axis inclinometer solution  Get all pointing angles)
As the three-dimensional-space has three degrees of freedom for rotation, three parameters have to
be known (measured) for a complete definition of the antennas orientation. We use two tilts against
the horizon and one rotation around the normal vector of the horizontal plane.

Axis definitions:
The two tilt parameters are measured with two inclinometers. Figure 4 below shows the
inclinometer system (xyz) located in the earth surface system (XYZ). Turning the inclinometer system
around the roll inclinometer axis (x) with the angle −𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 aligns the pitch inclinometer axis (y)
with the horizon plane (XY). This vector is called the horizon aligned pitch axis (y’). In the same way
turning the system around the pitch inclinometer axis (y) with the angle −𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 aligns the roll
inclinometer axis (x) with the horizon plane (XY). This vector is called the horizon aligned roll axis (x’).
The rotation around the normal vector of the horizontal plane (called the in plane azimuth of the
prime inclinometer axis 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) is defined as the angle from the north direction (X) to the horizon
aligned roll axis (x’).

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Figure 4: Earth Surface System and Inclinometer System

Choosing the right inclinometers for tilt measurement:

It is important that both inclinometer axes are perpendicular. The user should
prefer the usage of a dual axis inclinometer in one package instead of using two
separate inclinometers.

Choosing the correct inclinometer mounting:

The inclinometers are placed in the rotating part of the station which generates the azimuth
movement (See Figure 5 below). The inclinometers should be perfectly aligned with the antenna
axes. In this case the transformation from the inclinometer system to the antenna system is trivial.
The primary inclinometer axis (measuring 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) is parallel to the polarization axis at elevation 0°
and the secondary inclinometer axis (measuring 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) is parallel to the elevation axis.
Misalignment or alternate mounting concepts will require additional workload during antenna setup.

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Figure 5: Two-Axis Inclinometer - Mounting on Antenna

Calculating the antenna system:

Keep in mind that the inclinometers are fixed to the moving azimuth part of the antenna. This implies
that the inclinometer system is not fixed in the earth surface system. The three parameters that
define the inclinometer system (Rollant Pitchant IncAzant ) change their values as the antennas
azimuth axis is turned. If we measure a set of the three parameters to define the inclinometer
system, we also have to remember the corresponding antennas azimuth that was set during the
measurement. This parameter is called Azant meas in the following.
With the four parameters, the orientation matrix of the antenna can be calculated. This is done with
four rotations. The first three rotations are used to receive the virtual inclinometer system. It is called
virtual as it defines the orientation of the inclinometers bound to the antennas azimuth where the
parameters were measured. The fourth rotation corrects the azimuth offset of the antenna, which
was present during measurement of the parameters. This is possible as the inclinometer system is
aligned with the antenna system. The formulas are:

𝜏𝜏 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎�𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )� (2-23)

(Info: As the roll is changed during the pitch rotation it has to be adapted. The new adapted roll is
called 𝜏𝜏 here. See the document analytical details for the derivation)

The Antenna transform in Earth Surface System then reads

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 𝑅𝑅 𝑧𝑧 ( 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (𝜏𝜏) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑦𝑦 (𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )

������������������������� ∗ 𝑅𝑅 𝑧𝑧 ( −𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 )
����������� (2-24)
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴ℎ = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ) 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴ℎ 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

= Antenna transform in Earth Surface System

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Example: 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 14° 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 8° 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 68°

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 52° (Azimuth encoder value during parameter measurement)

𝜏𝜏 = 13.8690° (0.2421 rad)

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ ∗ ∗

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗ ∗

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∗

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 =

Figure 6: Added (tilted) Antenna System

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How to receive a set of parameters using direct measurement (Low accuracy):

1. Get the current encoder value of the azimuth stage. This value is the parameter Azant meas . For
the rest of the measurement the antenna is not allowed to move.
2. Get the measurement values of both inclinometers. These are the values Pitchant and
and Rollant
3. Measurement of the parameter IncAzant can be accomplished with a compass. As this approach
has a low accuracy it is only applicable for rough initial tracking. The measurement is performed
as following: Put the compass on top of the inclinometer. Hold the compass as good as possible
aligned with the horizon. For an analog compass turn the north position to the compass needle.
Now read the angle between north and primary inclinometer axis. The angle is measured from
north to east and is in the range of 0° to 360°. This is the value of IncAzant
4. Your parameter set is now complete.

How to receive a set of parameters using an initial tracing cycle (Preferred method):

1. Point the antenna to a known satellite using auto tracking. The antenna should now point to
maximum beacon.
2. Measure the encoder value of the azimuth stage. This value is the parameter Azant meas. For the
rest of the measurement the antenna is not allowed to move.
3. Get the measurement values of both inclinometers. These are the values Pitchant and
and Rollant
4. Calculate the antenna azimuth and elevation in case of an untilted antenna. The user could apply
step 5 of the algorithm assuming an untitled antenna for this purpose (Using Case A of Step 4).
The calculated untitled azimuth and elevation are called A and E here.
5. With the four values (A, E, Roll, Pitch) the antenna In-Plane Azimuth of the Prime Inclinometer
( 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) can be calculated. This approach is far more accurate as direct measurement. The
value calculates to:

𝜏𝜏 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ))

𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 (𝜏𝜏) − 1 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 (𝐸𝐸)

−𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐴𝐴)� 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝜏𝜏) + 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝜏𝜏)𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐸𝐸)𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐴𝐴)
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 (𝜏𝜏)
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 180 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ⎛ ⎞
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐸𝐸)𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝜏𝜏)
⎝ ⎠
(2-25)

6. Optional: The angle to the horizon around the elevation axis can also be calculated. Comparing
this angle to the measurement of the elevation encoder and the pitch measurement gives the
elevation offset error of the antenna. The value can be used for additional error correction at the
end of step 5.

 sin ( E ) 
Eloffset =
ElEncoder − asin   + Pitchant (2-26)
 cos ( τ ) 

7. Your parameter set is now complete.

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Case C: Tilted antenna system (One axis inclinometer solution  Get only polarization angle)

A single inclinometer mounted on the elevation axis of the antenna and having its measurement axes
parallel to the antenna lobe can be used to get the polarization pointing angle for the tilted antenna
system. However the correct azimuth and elevation pointing angles for the tilted system must be
derived by alternate approaches in this case. (E.g. for small tilt values: Using the untitled pointing
angles in combination with an initial tracing cycle)

Choosing the correct inclinometer mounting:

The inclinometer is placed in the moving elevation part of the station (See Figure 7 below). The
inclinometer should be perfectly aligned with the polarization (antenna lobe) axis. The 0° direction on
the inclinometer must be aligned with the 0° direction of the polarization drive, or the offset must be
known for correction.

Figure 7: One-Axis Inclinometer - Mounting on Antenna

The calculated untitled polarization pointing angle can now be corrected by the measured value of
the inclinometer when pointing to the target satellite.

Step 5: Pointing angles

Goal: Receive the pointing angles for the antenna

The pointing transform is defined in the earth surface system (results from step 3). For the
calculation of the pointing angles we require the pointing transform as seen from the antenna
system (results from step 4). Therefore we apply a transformation. Note that all arguments on the
right side of the equation have to be defined in the same base system (here ESA) for the
transformation to be valid.

𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ∗ 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = Pointing transform in Antenna System
(2-27)

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Example:

For the untitled system:

1 0 0
𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = �0 1 0� ∗ =
0 0 1

For the tilted system:

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = ∗

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 =

Euler angles representing the antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization can be calculated form the
pointing matrix:

Notes:
• 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (3,1) means the element in row 3 and column 1 of the pointing matrix (In this
example the lower left one).
• The algorithm only works for Elevation < 90°. In the very unlikely case that the elevation is
exactly 90° the solution will fail, as Azimuth and Polarization are aligned and the solution is
singular. Choosing slightly different parameters in that case will solve this problem.

The two-quadrant atan is used (atan2). It is defined as:

�𝑥𝑥 2 +𝑦𝑦 2 −𝑥𝑥

𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2(𝑦𝑦, 𝑥𝑥) = 2 atan � � (2-28)
𝑦𝑦

The angels in degree calculate to:

180
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = − asin �𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝐺𝐺𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (3,1)� ∗ (2-29)
𝜋𝜋

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (2,1) 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (1,1) 180

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = atan2 � cos(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸)
; cos(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸)
�∗ (2-30)
𝜋𝜋

𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (3,2) 𝑇𝑇𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃_𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 (3,3) 180

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = atan2 � cos(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸)
; cos(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸)
�∗ (2-31)
𝜋𝜋

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Example:

For the tilted system:

180
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = − asin(−0.8988) ∗ = 64.01°
𝜋𝜋
0.0861 −0.4297 180
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = atan 2 � ; �∗ = 168.67°
cosd(64.01) cosd(64.01) 𝜋𝜋

0.1416 −0.4147 180

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = atan 2 � ; �∗ = 161.15°
cosd(64.01) cosd(64.01) 𝜋𝜋

For the untilted system:

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 48.05°

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = −173.41°

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 162.27°

Finally the offsets of the encoders can be corrected:

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 + 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 + 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 (If 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 is known)

Figure 8: Visualization of the sequence when the tilted antenna is pointed to the satellite using the
calculated values. The sequence shows how the magenta colored antenna system in stow position
(azimuth, elevation, polarization = 0°) gets aligned with the red colored pointing system using the
three rotations around azimuth, elevation, polarization with the calculated values. The black colored
system shows from left to right: pointing after azimuth rotation (elevation, polarization = 0°);
pointing after elevation rotation (polarization = 0°); pointing after polarization rotation = aligned with
desired pointing system.

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Calculation of Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization

for non-horizontal aligned Antennas
Analytic Formulas

Technical Document
TD-1205-b
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

In Co-operation with

1
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Objective

This document presents formulas that can be used to calculate the pointing angles of the antenna.

Table of Contents

Technical Document TD-1205-b ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites ................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Analytical Forumals ................................................................................................................. 4
1.3.1 Untilted System – General Case – Sperical Earth ............................................................ 4
1.3.2 Untilted System – Sperical Earth – Satellite Latitude = 0 ................................................ 5
1.3.3 Polarization Correction for tilted antenna ...................................................................... 7

Change Log:

V1.3: Updated satellite table in chapter 1.2 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

V2.0: new release generated.

V2.1: Updated satellite table in chapter 1.2 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

V2.2: Updated satellite table in chapter 1.2 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites, 04.03.2016

V3.0: New release generated for document harmonization, 11.02.2019

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1.1 Parameters
The user needs knowledge of the following parameters to calculate the antenna pointing angles:
Information Name Parameter Unit Value used in Description
example
calculation
GEO 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Satellite Position [°] 7° Measured positive in east direction. Value is in the
Satellite (Longitude) range of 0° to 360°
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Satellite Position [°] 14° Measured positive in north direction. Value is in the
(Latitude) range of 90° to -90°
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 Polarization Angle [°] -22° The value is the angle that aligns the Pol-Vector of the
(Is Skew Angle for (Note: For satellite antenna with the equatorial plane when
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0) most Eutelsat rotating around the vector from the satellite center of
Satellites the mass to the earth center.
skew angle is If the Satellite is in the equatorial plane,
3.535°) implying 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0, this is the angle between the
equatorial plane and the polarization direction, being
the skew angle.
Antenna 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Position [°] 50° Measured positive in east direction. Value is in the
Position Longitude range of 0° to 360°
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 Antenna Position [°] 11° Measured positive in north direction. Value is in the
Latitude range of 90° to -90°
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 or Antenna Altitude or [m] 𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒ℎ Altitude above mean sea level of the antenna or
𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒ℎ Earth Radius 6378000m Earth radius
Depends on the chosen earth model (See algorithm
step 2 for details)

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1.2 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

Please refer to ANNEX 1

Notes:
For precise orbital location refer to Eutelsat ephemeris; regarding value of the skew of the Eutelsat
satellites: The reference X-polarization (horizontal) is defined as that polarization whose plane makes
an angle of 93.535° in an anti-clockwise direction, looking towards the earth, about a reference
vector with respect to a plane containing this vector and the pitch axis. The reference vector is
defined as the vector from the satellite in the direction 0.21° towards West and 6.07° towards north
in satellite coordinates. The reference Y-polarization (vertical) is defined as that polarization whose
plane is orthogonal to the X polarization plane and the reference vector defined above. In other
words the polarization skew angle of the EUTELSAT satellites is +3.535°, clock-wise when looking at
the satellite from the earth, from anywhere on the meridian (in the northern hemisphere)
corresponding to the orbital location of the satellite. In the southern hemisphere the polarization
skew angle of the EUTELSAT satellites is +183.535°, clock-wise, from anywhere on the meridian
corresponding to the orbital location of the satellite.

1.3 Analytical Forumals

1.3.1 Untilted System – General Case – Sperical Earth
This Chapter shows the formulas for calculation of azimuth, elevation and polarization for the general
case ( 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ≠ 0 ). For the derivation of the formulas, see the document on the analytical details.

The two-quadrant atan is used for the calculation (atan2). It is defined as:

�𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑥
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2(𝑦𝑦, 𝑥𝑥) = 2 atan � �
𝑦𝑦
or using cases:

To simplify the formulas we define:

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Azimuth and Elevation can be calculated as following:

(r cos ( Latsat ) cos ( w ) − re cos ( Latant ) ) + rgeo cos ( Latsat ) sin ( w ) + ( rgeo sin ( Latsat ) − re sin ( Latant ) )
2 2
= 2 2 2
Range geo

 cos ( Latant ) rgeo cos ( Latsat ) cos ( w ) + rgeo sin ( Latsat ) sin ( Latant ) − re 
Elevation =
− asin  − 
 Range 

 r cos ( Latsat ) sin ( w ) rgeo ( sin ( Latant ) cos ( Latsat ) cos ( w ) − cos ( Latant ) sin ( Latsat ) ) 
Azimuth =
atan 2  − geo ,− 
 Range cos ( Elevation ) Range cos ( Elevation ) 
 

With the arguments x and y as below the polarization can be calculated:

Polarization = atan 2 ( y, x )

Example using the example values from the parameter table:

Elevation = 48.05°
Azimuth = -173.41°
Polarization = 162.44°

1.3.2 Untilted System – Sperical Earth – Satellite Latitude = 0

This Chapter shows the formulas for calculation of azimuth, elevation and polarization for a satellite
at 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0. The formulas result from a simplification of the general case above. For the derivation of
the formulas, see the document on the analytical details.

The two-quadrant atan is used for the calculation (atan2). It is defined as:

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�𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑥
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎2(𝑦𝑦, 𝑥𝑥) = 2 atan � �
𝑦𝑦
or using cases:

To simplify the formulas we define:

With 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0 the formulas from the general case simplify to:

(r cos ( w ) − re cos ( Latant ) ) + rgeo sin ( w ) + re2 sin ( Latant )

2
Range = 2 2 2
geo

 rgeo cos ( w ) cos ( Latant ) − re 

Elevation = asin  
 Range 

 rgeo sin ( w ) r sin ( Latant ) cos ( w ) 

Azimuth =
atan 2  − , − geo 
 Range cos ( Elevation ) Range cos ( Elevation ) 

Polarization = atan 2 ( y, x )

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1.3.3 Polarization Correction for tilted antenna

If the antenna is tilted the polarization offset can be calculated with the following formula.

Some values have to be measured or calculated prior to using the formula:

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 and 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 are measured with the antenna pointing to the satellite

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 and 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 can be calculated with the formulas for the untilted antenna

The polarization is calculated to:

𝜏𝜏 = −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ))

2 2
��𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝜏𝜏)� − �𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 )�
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 −𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ⎛ ⎞
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 )
�������������������������������������
⎝ ⎠
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

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Calculation of Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization

for non-horizontal aligned Antennas
Appendix: Analytic Details

Technical Document
TD-1205-c
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

In Co-operation with

1
 Technische Universität München — Lehrstuhl für Raumfahrttechnik

Objective

This Appendix shows how the formulas used in the other documents can be derived.

Table of Contents

1 Analytical Details ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Adapted Roll ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Prime Inclinometer In-Plane Azimuth form initial tracking..................................................... 4
1.3 Untilted System – General Case – Sperical Earth .................................................................... 7

Change Log:

V2.0: new release generated.

V2.1: new release generated, following update of algorithm and formulas documents

V3.0: new version 3.0 generated for document harmonization

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1 Analytical Details
1.1 Adapted Roll
The pitched system shall be derived with rotations. As the roll is changed during the second rotation
(pitch) it has to be adapted in the first place. The new adapted roll is called 𝜏𝜏 here. The following logic
is applied to derive it:

After the three rotations:

𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (𝜏𝜏) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑌𝑌 (𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (−𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )

the y-axis (Pitch direction) must be aligned with the XY plane.

This is easily solvable symbolically:

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1.2 Prime Inclinometer In-Plane Azimuth form initial tracking

The problem includes the following 7 variables:
• Untitled Antenna Azimuth A; Untitled Antenna Elevation E
• Corrected Antenna Roll (See section above); Antenna Pitch; In-Plane (Earth Surface) Azimuth
of the Prime Inclinometer
• Tilted Antenna Azimuth; Tilted Antenna Elevation

The following logic is applied for solving:

The rotations with the untitled A and E have to produce the same pointing vector as the rotations
with the tilted A and E and the correct antenna orientation parameters (Roll, Pitch, Azimuth of the
Prime Inclinometer).

In detail this means:

𝑅𝑅𝑧𝑧 (𝐴𝐴) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑌𝑌 (−𝐸𝐸)

and

𝑅𝑅𝑧𝑧 ( 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑥𝑥 (𝜏𝜏) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑦𝑦 (𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) ∗ 𝑅𝑅𝑦𝑦 (−𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 )

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Have to produce the same pointing vector (x-Axis)

As the Roll and Pitch are depending on the Azimuth, the knowledge of 4 parameters is required. We
choose: Untitled Antenna Azimuth A; Untitled Antenna Elevation E; Antenna Roll; Antenna Pitch

This is easily solvable symbolically:

(See the section on the adapted roll)

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1.3 Untilted System – General Case – Sperical Earth

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Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

Annex 1
Of Calculation of Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization
for non-horizontal aligned Antennas:

Algorithm Description

Technical Document
TD-1205-a
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

and

Analytic Formulas

Technical Document
TD-1205-b
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

and
Appendix: Analytic Details

Technical Document
TD-1205-c
Version 3.0
11.02.2019

In Co-operation with

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1.1 Table of EUTELSAT Satellites

For precise orbital location refer to Eutelsat ephemeris; regarding value of the skew of the Eutelsat
satellites: The reference X-polarization (horizontal) is defined as that polarization whose plane makes
an angle of 93.535° in an anti-clockwise direction, looking towards the earth, about a reference
vector with respect to a plane containing this vector and the pitch axis. The reference vector is
defined as the vector from the satellite in the direction 0.21° towards West and 6.07° towards north
in satellite coordinates. The reference Y-polarization (vertical) is defined as that polarization whose
plane is orthogonal to the X polarization plane and the reference vector defined above. In other
words the polarization skew angle of the EUTELSAT satellites is +3.535°, clock-wise when looking at
the satellite from the earth, from anywhere on the meridian (in the northern hemisphere)
corresponding to the orbital location of the satellite. In the southern hemisphere the polarization
skew angle of the EUTELSAT satellites is +183.535°, clock-wise, from anywhere on the meridian
corresponding to the orbital location of the satellite.

Pol Skew Angle for LP

Other Designation

Linnear / Circular
International
Designator

Polarization
Sat Number
(NORAD)
EUTELSAT
EUTELSAT

(VO*-1)
Name

Code

EUTELSAT 133WA W1R; E28A; E33C E133WA 01011A 26719U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 117 W est A SATMEX 8 E117WA 13012A 39122U 0.000 LP

EUTELSAT 117 W est B SATMEX9 E117WB 16038B 41589U 0.000 LP

EUTELSAT 115 W est B SATMEX 7 E115WB 15010B 40425U 0.000 LP

EUTELSAT 113 W est A SATMEX 6 E113WA 06020A 29162U 0.000 LP

ARSAT 2 ARSAT2 15054B 40941U 0.000

C & Ku-Band: LP;

EUTELSAT 65 West A E65WA 16014A 41382U 0.000 Ka-Band: CP
Q/V - LP (X-Horizontal)

AL YAH 3 AL YAH 3 18012A 43174U 0.000

LP; (CP for some non-

Telstar 12 V Telstar 12 Vantage TELSTAR-12V 15068A 41036U 0.000 EUTELSAT capacity)

Atlantic Bird 2; AB2;

EUTELSAT 12 W est B E12WB 01042A 26927U 3.535 LP
New Bird; E8WA

EUTELSAT 8 W est B AB2A E8WB 15039B 40875U 3.535 LP

Ku-Band: LP;
EUTELSAT 7 W est A AB4R; AB7; AB4A E7WA 11051A 37816U 3.535
C-Band: CP

EUTELSAT 5 W est A Atlantic Bird 3; Stellat 5 E5WA 02035A 27460U 0.000 LP

EUTELSAT 3B Newsat E3B 14030A 39773U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 7A W3A E7A 04008A 28187U 3.535 LP

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EUTELSAT 7B E3D; W 3D E7B 13022A 39163U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 9B ESA Data Relay; EDRS-A E9B 16005A 41308U 3.535 LP

CP
EUTELSAT KA-SAT 9A KaSAT KA9A 10069A 37258U 3.535
(LP for beacon)
Ku-Band:LP
EUTELSAT 10A W2A E10A 09016A 34710U 3.535
C-Band: CP

EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13B HB8 HB13B 06032A 29270U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13C HB9 HB13C 08065A 33459U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13E HB7A; Eurobird 9A; E9A HB13E 06007B 28946U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 16A W3C E16A 11057A 37836U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 21B W6A E21B 12062B 38992U 3.535 LP

Ku & DBS Band: LP;

EUTELSAT 25B Es'hail; EB2A E25B 13044A 39233U 3.535
Ka-Band: CP

EUTELSAT 28E ASTRA 2E E28E 13056A 39285U 0.000

EUTELSAT 28F ASTRA 2F E28F 12051A 38778U 0.000

EUTELSAT 28G ASTRA 2G E28G 14089A 40364U 0.000

HB10; AB4A; E3C;

EUTELSAT 33E E33E 09008B 33750U 3.535 LP
HB13D

EUTELSAT 36B W7 E36B 09065A 36101U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 36C EXPRESS AMU1 E36C 15082A 41191U 3.535 LP

Y1B Yahsat 1B Y1B 12016A 38245U 0.000

EUTELSAT 48D E28B; W2M E48D 08065B 33460U 3.535 LP

YAMAL 202 YAMAL202 03053A 28089U 0.000

EXPRESS-AM6;
EUTELSAT 53A E53A 14064A 40277U 0.000 LP
EXPRESS-AM22; SESAT 2

YAMAL 402 2012-070 Yamal402 12070A 39022U 0.000

EUTELSAT 56A Express AT1 EXPRESS AT1 14010A 39612U 0.000 CP

EUTELSAT 70B W5A E70B 12069A 39020U 3.535 LP

EUTELSAT 140A EXPRESS AT2 EXPRESS AT2 14010B 39613U 0.000 CP

EUTELSAT 172B E172B 17029B 42741U 0.000 LP

AMC23; GE-23; AMC 23;

EUTELSAT 174A E174A 05052A 28924U 0.000 LP
Worldsat 3; GE 2i; E172A
Status: 21 August 2019

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The Beacon Frequencies are showed below:

BEACON_DN_CENTRE
BEACON_
SAT_CODE _FREQ [MHz] BEACON_COVERAGE
DN_POL
Status: 21 August 2019

E133WA 11200.000 X Global Beacon

E133WA 11451.091 X Beacon
E117WB 11450.500 R Beacon Ku
E117WA 4198.600 Y C-band Transmit
E117WA 11700.500 Y Global
E117WA 12199.300 X Global
E115WB 12199.900 L Ku beacon
E113WA 4198.875 Y C3-Hemi Transmit
E113WA 11701.500 X Global
E113WA 12199.000 Y Global
E65WA 4799.700 X C Band Beacon
E65WA 10949.700 X Ku Band Beacon
E65WA 11200.300 Y Ku Band Beacon
E65WA 19701.000 X Ka Band Beacon
TELSTAR-12V 11700.000 X Beacon
TELSTAR-12V 11701.000 Y Beacon
E12WB 11704.000 X Global Beacon
E12WB 12500.500 X Beacon
E8WB 4199.000 L C Band Transmit
E8WB 4199.000 R C Band Transmit
E8WB 11200.500 X Ku Band Beacon
E8WB 12501.000 Y Ku Band Beacon
E7WA 11199.500 X Beacon
E5WA 4199.500 L C Beacon
E5WA 11699.900 Y Ku Global Beacon
E5WA 12501.000 X Ku Beacon
E3B 3625.500 R C Beacon
E3B 3626.000 L C Beacon
E3B 11200.200 X Ku TCR Horn
E3B 11699.800 X Ku TCR Horn
E3B 12500.500 X Ku Beacon
E3B 19699.000 X Ka Beacon
E7A 11200.000 X Global Beacon
E7A 11699.800 X Beacon
E7A 21404.000 X Ka Beacon
E7B 11201.400 X Ku Beacon
E7B 11698.600 X Ku Beacon
E7B 12500.500 X Ku Beacon
E7B 21402.000 X Ka Beacon
KA9A 11700.400 X
KA9A 19680.000 X
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E9B 11701.200 X Beacon

E9B 12498.000 X Beacon
E10A 2264.625 L S Band Beacon
E10A 3626.000 R C Band Beacon
E10A 3626.000 L C Band Beacon
E10A 10950.200 X Ku Band Beacon
E10A 11699.800 X Ku Band Beacon
E10A 12501.000 X Global Ku Band Beacon
E10A 12501.500 Y Global Ku Band Beacon
HB13B 11701.000 X Beacon
HB13B 12500.500 X Beacon
HB13C 11703.400 X Beacon
HB13C 12500.000 X Beacon
HB13E 11704.000 X Beacon
E16A 11200.800 X Ku Beacon
E16A 11699.200 X Ku Beacon
E16A 12500.000 X Ku Beacon
E16A 21401.000 X Europe C Transmit
E21B 11200.200 X Beacon
E21B 11699.800 X Beacon
E21B 12500.000 X Beacon
E21B 12500.500 Y Beacon
E25B 11199.800 X Ku Beacon
E25B 11698.600 X Ku Beacon
E25B 19699.000 X Global Ka Beacon
E25B 20203.000 X Global Ka Beacon
E25B 21401.000 Y Ka Beacon
E28F 11452.000 Y Beacon
E28G 11452.500 Y Beacon
E28G 11710.500 Y Beacon
E28G 12492.000 X Beacon
E28F 11711.500 Y Beacon
E28F 12491.000 X Beacon
E28E 11453.500 Y Beacon
E28E 11707.500 Y Beacon
E28E 12493.000 X Beacon
E33E 11702.400 X Beacon
E36B 10950.200 X Global Beacon
E36B 11701.200 X Global Beacon
E36B 12500.500 Y Global Beacon
E36B 12501.500 X Global Beacon
E36C 11700.200 X Ku Band Beacon
E36C 12500.000 Y Ku Band Beacon
E36C 19690.000 X Ka Band Beacon
E48D 11199.500 X Beacon
E48D 11701.800 X Beacon
E53A 11199.500 R Ku Global

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E70B 11199.500 X Beacon

E70B 12500.000 Y Beacon
E70B 12500.500 X Beacon
E172B 4198.900 X C band beacon
E172B 4199.900 Y C band beacon
E172B 11200.600 Y Ku beacon
E172B 12250.100 X Ku beacon
E172B 19202.000 R Ka beacon
E174A 3703.000 X
E174A 4199.500 Y
E174A 11199.000 X
E174A 12749.500 Y
YAMAL402 11459.500 R Beacon A coverage
YAMAL402 12500.000 R Beacon B coverage