Patent attributes
An antenna system having an antenna array including at least first and second phased array antennas, and a method for field-calibrating the antenna array. Before and after a handover period, communication with respective first and second external satellites or other communication systems is performed using both the first and second antennas. A first beam is formed prior to the handover period. During a first portion of the handover period: a second beam is formed for the communication with the first satellite using the first antenna; the second antenna is deactivated for external communication; and the second antenna is calibrated. During a second portion of the handover period, the second antenna is reactivated for a handed over communication with the second satellite by forming a third beam using the second antenna, while the first antenna maintains its communication with the first satellite via the second beam.