What does VSA mean in UNCLASSIFIED

A Vertical Steerable Array (VSA) is a type of antenna that can be adjusted in multiple directions, allowing it to focus energy onto a specific target. This type of antenna is typically used in satellite communications.

VSAs are extremely useful as they offer flexible beamforming capabilities, which allow for highly directional transmissions or receptions with improved coverage and signal reliability. They also make it possible to maintain communication with moving targets, which is especially beneficial in military applications.

VSA antennas are composed of many individual radiating elements connected by several electronic assemblies. The array of elements is often configured into a circular shape, with each radiating element responsible for a different direction or angle of propagation. By selectively controlling each radiating element within the array, the overall direction and gain of the radiation pattern can be manipulated.

VSA antennas offer several advantages compared to traditional antenna designs such as increased flexibility in terms of directivity control and gain, reduced side lobe levels, improved signal isolation from other sources, improved range performance as well as improved resistance to interference from nearby objects or systems.

VSAs are commonly used by organizations that require extensive coverage and signal reliability such as oil and gas companies that need to monitor seismic activity or radio operators that need to communicate with aircrafts in flight. The signals transmitted by VSAs can also be used for remote imaging applications such as weather forecasting or disaster reconnaissance efforts.

VSAs are capable of transmitting/receiving across frequencies ranging from Bands I-VIII (87-230 MHz), C bands (3-4 GHz) and Ku bands (12-18 GHz). In addition, some VSAs are also capable of operating at even higher frequencies such as Ka band (26-40 GHz).

VSA antennas have the capability to support various military waveforms including Pulse Position Modulation/Demodulation (PP/PDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Continuous Waveform Modulation/Demodulation (CWMDM) and Triangulation Encoded Signals (TES).

Installing a VSA system typically requires two components - the antenna array itself along with an appropriate enclosure for housing any necessary electronics equipment. Once this has been setup onsite, technicians must then monitor the system’s performance while making any necessary adjustments until satisfactory performance parameters are achieved.

One potential downside associated with using VSA antennas is their relatively high cost when compared with other types of antennas due to their advanced features and capabilities. Additionally, they require continuous calibration throughout their life cycle in order to maintain performance standards.