C-BAND TRANSCEIVER FOR SMALL SATELLITES (ARTES AT 5E.002)

Description

The objective of this activity is to design and develop a C-band transceiver for small satellite TT&C or low-data rate payload operations.

Targeted Improvements: Lowering radio regulatory hurdles for small satellite missions.

In the future, commercial satellite telecommunications missions based on small satellites will not have access to amateur frequencies anymore. The proposed development will allow the small satellite community to use regular frequencies for TT&C and payload communications.

Description: Currently, a number of small satellite missions use frequencies allocated for radio amateur use, but are actually targeting commercial services. The IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) has stated that they will not accept these kind of satellite filings anymore in the future. More and more small satellite missions will therefore need to use regular (non-amateur) frequencies, but equipment is not readily available within ESA member states for the small satellite platforms.

A possible solution for future small satellite communication missions is the use of C-band, as this band will become permanently available as a feeder link for non-geostationary MSS applications after WRC-15. Transceivers for this frequency range and which can be accommodated on small platforms shall therefore be developed.

The activity shall:

  • possibly starting from existing C-band developments for larger platforms
  • design, develop and test a miniaturized C-band transceiver for TT&C and possibly payload data use.

Requirements shall be validated by candidate missions and the small satellite community of ESA member states. The activity shall actively seek a flight opportunity to demonstrate the developed hardware in orbit.

Tender Specifics