A lightweight, portable satellite dish antenna system having base and lid portions which can be configured relative to each other in carrying and deployed positions. The base and lid portions are substantially the same size and shape and have respective interior and exterior sides with the satellite dish antenna of the system pivotally mounted to the interior side of the lid portion. In the carrying position, the satellite dish antenna is retracted to align with the interior side of the lid portion and the lid and base portions are secured together with the interior sides thereof facing and abutting each other. In the deployed or operating position, the lid portion is inverted and placed atop the base portion with the exterior side of the lid portion and the interior side of the base portion facing and abutting one another on mating bearing surfaces extending about a central, vertical axis.