Description
Objective: To design, manufacture, and test a breadboard of a low-cost multi-channel Hosted Payload Interface Unit (HPIU).
Targeted Improvements:
- To enable segregated, cost-effective, command and data handling for hosted payloads by developing a low-cost multi-channel Hosted Payload Interface Unit.
- Simplify the incorporation of hosted payloads
Description: The concept of hosted payloads on GEO telecom satellites is gaining significant interest within both government and industry, in the US and in Europe. An important aspect to be considered in hosted payload accommodation and management is the command and telemetry function.
Satcom operators often prefer a separate TM/TC chain for hosted payloads on board of their satellites and hosted payload operators may also want dedicated access to their payload. The activity will develop a low-cost multi-channel transceiver in order to facilitate segregated command and telemetry functions for hosted payloads. In order to make full segregation possible,a separate Hosted Payload Interface Unit is alsoneeded. The HPIU will interface directly with the multi-channel transceiver and payload equipment and have a link with the On BoardComputer (OBC).
The recently completed ARTES 5.1 study 4000108340/13/NL/NR showed that an HPIU is needed when full segregation between hosted payload and spacecraft data is required, when multiple hosted payloads are embarked, or when the tele-command data rate of the hosted payload exceeds the available OBC capability.
Such an interface will increase the attractiveness of GEO satcom to hosted payloads by developing one of the building blocks needed if full segregation is requested or multiple hosted payloads are embarkedon a single spacecraft. The foreseen work logic is the following:
- Establish the requirements baseline for the HPIU,
- Design breadboard of HPIU module(s),
- Breadboard manufacturing and test.
Tender Specifics