Hilary Hughes
EADS Astrium Limited,
Anchorage Road,
Portsmouth
Hampshire
United Kingdom
PO3 5PU
European Space Agency
European Space Agency
This study investigates a wide range of techniques and technologies for Ka band (and possibly Q/V bands) for providing higher capacity, more flexible next generation satellite broadband systems. It also develops the methodology for the fair comparison of different systems. Finally the study recommends a technology development roadmap for possible future development.
The main objectives are:
The fundamental issue was to determine the best technology (or technologies) for providing high speed broadband by geostationary satellite.
The study considered the potential value of Q/V band usage to provide more spectrum.
The study developed its own assessment methodology for the comparison of candidate scenarios
The study found that more spectrum combined with power handling flexibility offered the best solutions. This leads to the conclusion that the use of Q/V band for the feeder links is a desirable step towards higher capacity.
More complex technologies can provide significant flexibility but at the cost of making the payload and platform more expensive due to thermal dissipation and difficulties accommodating TWTAs.
The system architectures under consideration provide high speed broadband access to small fixed user terminals typically on a house. The system connects a large number of users to one or more gateway station that provides interconnection with one (or more) internet service provider. NB mesh architectures involving direct user terminal to user terminal connectivity is not studied. The size of dish envisaged for the user terminals is typically 60cm although larger antennas are considered for use by small business.
Various payload technologies shall be considered and assessed including digital processing, advanced antennas and flexible high power amplification.
The Advanced Scenarios developed during the study can be summarized:
The figure below shows the logic of the study and the sequence of the tasks:
The project has now been completed and the deliverable documents finalized. The study is expected to present at the 2013 ARTES 1 days in December.
