Description
The objective of this activity is to design, manufacture and test an elegant breadboard of a low-cost multi-channel spread spectrumtransceiver for hosted payloads.
Targeted Improvements: To enable a segregated and cost-effective TM/TC architecture for hosted payloads by using a low-cost multi-channel transceiver. Reduction of cost with respect to use of multiple conventional receiver/transmitter units.
Description:
Background The concept of hosted payloads on GEO telecom satellites is gaining significant interest within both government and industry. One of the aspects 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. Hosted payload operators may also require or prefer dedicated access to their payload.
Starting point Currently, an ARTES 5.1 activity is ongoing to study and define the avionics architecture in support of fleet management and hosted payloads, using spread spectrum modulation. The results will be available shortly and will be used as starting point to define the transceiver requirements.
Justification Performance requirements for hosted payloads are less demanding compared to the main satellite TCR subsystem (e.g. no ranging needed, low Doppler/Doppler rate). Using multiple conventional TCR units is a non-optimal solution with respect to cost and mass. A multi-channel transceiver connected to a Hosted Payload Interface Unit could provide a cost-effective basis for a hosted payload avionics architecture with segregated TM/TC links.
Work logic:
- Requirements definition and consolidation;
- Architectural trade-offs and design;
- Unit detailed design;
- EBB manufacturing and test.
Tender Specifics