• This type of antenna is made up of many metal (usually copper) patches arranged in a grid shape (that is, in an array)
• The advantage of this type of antenna is that because it is composed of metal conductors, it can interact with electronic circuits; this means that ground controllers can electronically steer the beam in many different directions
• Patch array antennas are simple and light
• They can be wrapped around the body of the satellite or attached to any flat surface, so they do not make the satelitte any larger
• Because they are very small, they are used in the transmitter/receivers carried by individuals using the GPS (Global Positioning System)
• They are very efficient, moderately durable, and moderately expensive