Description
Objective: Objective of the activity is to design, manufacture and test a W-band waveguide switch for advanced communication payloads.
Targeted Improvements: This technology development is targeted to enable future W-band communication payloads where redundancy is needed.
Description: The usage of the spectrum available in W-band for satellite communications will significantly reduce the number of gateways and consequently the overall cost of the ground segment. Already studies related to the propagation characterization and systems for W-band have been kicked-off.
W-band waveguide switches are required to implement redundancy, flexibilityand change in polarization but are not available. Key developments are needed to arrive at a suitable actuator.Critical aspects ofthe RF, mechanical and thermal design include the small waveguide size and the relatively high power requirement resulting in the associated design challenges to achieve low losses, sufficient multipactor threshold and to manage the heat dissipation.
Hence the activity shall cover the development of all critical switch technologies. A W-band switch engineering model shall be designed, manufactured and tested to fully evaluate the concepts and technologies for space application.The activity shall be organised as follows:
- Analysis and identification of critical techniques and technologies;
- Preliminary design of a BB;
- Manufacturing and testing;
- Design of an EM W-band switch;
- Manufacturing and testing.
Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".
Tender Specifics