Airbus developed a combined Tx/Rx polarizer to be implemented in a MFB-cluster in frame of the Ka Band User Feed (KaUF) program (ESA Contract 4000128414/19/NL/AF). The orthomode transducer (OMT) given in [5] is expected to extend the current development as key element to enhance the feed and antenna portfolio. Novel manufacturing techniques, such as additive layer manufacturing, metal powder application or diffusion welding shall be investigated to reduce the polarizer dimensions (especially the diameter) to a minimum, combined with optimal mechanical and thermal boundaries. The combination of the invention and novel manufacturing techniques results in pitch to pitch distances of about 25 mm in Ka-Band. This enables the use of a feed cluster for a combined Tx/Rx MFB solution with one single reflector. In addition, an adaptation to combined active transmit/receive antennas is possible to comply with Airbus' strategic R&D roadmap.
