Projects

The PLIU is a unit containing command and acquisition channels of
standard type, like High Level Commands and Thermistor
acquisition channels. It contains power switches for heater control
and stepper motor drivers. The interface to a central computer
consists of a dual redundant Mil-Std-1553B bus.

The challenge is to make a low-cost production series by using
commercial components and a production friendly design.

The main objective of this activity is the development of a Novel SAT-AIS Receiver (NAIS), focusing on an in-orbit upgradable SDR platform with low power consumption, small size and advanced signal processing.

An innovative Ka-band multi-beam satellite payload for Broad-Band Services is proposed which is based on a conventional multi-beam payload architecture with an additional flexible payload section feeding a Steerable Antenna system. Such enhanced payload architecture allows using the Dual-Polarization at user beam level on the hot spots in order to increase the capacity utilization on highly uneven traffic demand distribution throughout the satellite coverage.

This project aims to design, manufacture and test an EM of a Ku band BFN module based on a multinode on chip implementation using a European MMIC process, as well as a multinode MMIC for use in future Ku band phased array mobile terminals.

The aim of this study is to take benefit from the availability of recently developed sensors to determine at system level how the AOCS could handle new functions or decrease its cost. On the other hand, to analyse new operators’ requirements induced by the increased number of collocated spacecraft or compliance to the French law about space activity.

The objective of the ESA MENOS Evolution project is to develop a coherent end-to-end IP network for multimedia exchange over satellite capable to support HD, Hybride services and broadcast work flows.

The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate innovative multilayer solutions involving GEO satellites, LEO/MEO constellations and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) to provide internet for all services.
A detailed model of the preferred solution has been realised and simulated to evaluate the performance of the multi-layer system showing the interest and complementarity of the different layers.

The project completed the design and manufacture of an Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) of a Feed Block Assembly (FBA) for future Ka Band Single Feed Per Beam (SFPB) antenna programmes.

In this project, an efficient spectral monitoring concept design will be bread-boarded and validated using realistic in-space spectral sensing scenarios. Dynamic sensing within the C-, Ku-, Ka-bands are targeted, considering integration in commercial satellites with minimal impact in terms of size, weight, power consumption and complexity. This project targets a proof-of-concept architectural design and not a direct equipment design.

Flexible payloads in correlation with the raise of interest for C-band multibeam payloads due to frequency spectrum scarcity are emerging. Customers are currently considering the potential use of multibeam solutions for the replacement of ‘conventional’ solutions generating large beams. One of the main challenge is to develop the antenna configuration and associated feed clusters.

Through the Artes-34 R&D project “TTC” with ESA, Norspace has developed and qualified three different EQMs. These are a Command Receiver (Rx), a Beacon Transmitter (Bx) and a Telemetry Transmitter (Tx). In addition a 31dBm Ku Band output amplifier module has been qualified under the frame of this contract.

This has been an important and strategic activity for Norspace, and this development project has established the company as a provider of TTC equipment for space.
The main strategic and technical objectives have been met, and commercial orders for flight models of Beacons, Transmitters and Command Receivers have been signed. This success shows that this program has been very useful and demonstrates an efficient use of ESA funding.

The study investigated various Optical Beamforming Networks (OBFN) and associated optical techniques and technologies to satisfy the mission scenarios and requirements developed during the initial part of the study.
Two options were identified as the promising option to investigate further and detailed design of these two options were investigated.

LNAFIN Oy implements a Q-band LNA according to ESA specifications. The unit is waveguide packaged, and its specifications include NF=2.5 dB, gain >30 dB and better than -18 dB wideband matching.

A robust, efficient and flexible communication data bus compatible with a next generation of more versatile and powerful Telecom payloads.

The objective of this activity was to increase the robustness and speed of the EEE parts procurement and testing of the Regys20 gyrometer for space applications. This comprised of 2 main work packages: i) EEE parts procurement transfer from Syderal to Sagem, through a CPPA (centralized parts procurement agent), and ii) the robustification of the testing process. This latter WP consists of 4 main points of improvement:
- 2 additional two-axes rate tables were qualified to avoid a bottleneck in the AIT process
- The EEPROM management process was enhanced with multiple checks to avoid human operator error and detect read/write errors
- The calibration process was robustified to automatically detect out-of-family-behaviour
- The test sequence was automated to allow weekend and night-time automated testing and save considerable time.
The combination of the above 2 WPs has considerably increased the competitiveness of the Regys20 and increased the robustness of the AIT process.

NanoSpace has under this contract continued to develop a gauging system to predict the residual propellant on-board satellites in orbit. The target market is medium and large satellites in Geo-synchronous orbits. The main value lies in capability to predict end-of-life with high accuracy – for a typical satellite down to a few weeks. A first engineering model has been designed, built, and tested together with propellant tanks up to 368 litres within this contract. Test results have demonstrated accuracies between 0.07% to 0.35%, depending of amount of gas injected. Test results compared with EcosimPro-simulations shows excellent agreement.

The design of a T/R Ku-band electronically steerable antenna based on a horizontal integration has considered various approaches, covering both technological and system aspects, enabling the realization of a low-cost architecture. The antenna uses the available aperture for both Tx and RX functions and the RF components are integrated in a single horizontal board which allows an effective manufacturing process and avoid the need for complex mechanical structures and RF connectivity.

The objective of the study is to develop and validate a digital test bench for use during AIT and IOT for all C-band to Ku-band payloads, exploiting innovative and rapid RF test techniques to significantly reduce the overall test schedule. Furthermore extension to Ka-band payloads and RF interface using optical fiber are designed.

The objective of this ARTES3-4 project is to study and to design a multi-reflectors pallet antenna. This new antenna product is envisaged to generate several coverages from one antenna structure and one single deployment. The design drivers of the product are the capability to accommodate several reflectors from 2 to 5, with different diameters varying from 1600mm to 900mm, a focal length varying from 1.9m to 3.2m. The reflector mounted on the pallet shall be able to operate in Ku and Ka frequency bands, and to realise mono beam and multibeams misions. Moreover, the pallet product shall be compatible of small launchers and several platforms like Spacebus, Eurostar and Alphabus. This antenna should be accommodated in double deployment. All these characteristics are considered to design this new product.

In the frame of this activity an innovative Ku-band high power reconfigurable multibeam broadcast antenna has been designed, with the development and test of a demonstrator model. The most promising payload solutions suitable to support the present application in terms of both antenna configuration and front-end architecture have been identified and investigated in detail. This extended trade-off activity led to an innovative antenna solution consisting of a Confocal antenna configuration fed by an aperiodic feed array.
The designed Confocal antenna architecture, associated with sparse/aperiodic array feeding system, creates an innovative approach capable to fulfill the reconfigurable regional coverage mission in Ku-band, with full array operation and then full reconfiguration capability, full power allocation flexibility and graceful degradation, minimizing the number of controls.

In the frame of this project Tesat designed, manufactured and tested a BB and an EM of an Electronic power conditioner (EPC) for Very High Power S-Band TWT with 500W.

Pre-development and testing of cell assembly technology based on GaAs multi-junction solar cells on 20 µm and 80 µm Ge.
System level study and trade-off of the ultra-thin GaAs multi-junction solar generator.

This project addresses the design, development and industrialization of a novel Ka band bidirectional Fly-Away terminal.
The terminal is intended for basic broadcasting users and for more demanding performance applications as well.

The project is composed of 3 topics aimed to improve harness mass, cost and performances:
1 - Improvement of waveguide harness attachment solutions
2 - Evolution of waveguide materials and processes
3 - Diversification and consolidation of supplier panel

The target of this project was to develop a new range of EPC that allows SSPAs to replace Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs) in
the power range and allows a significant improvement on implementation aspects for some applications. The EPC is able to provide up to 250W with efficiency over than 90%.

The aim of the project is to develop and qualify through an EM/PFM approach specific modules and building blocks for a competitive PCDU

The objective of the project was to identify the best potential opportunities for European satellite service providers to engage in service delivery over integrated satellite and terrestrial networks.

For now several years, the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) insertion issue is a very hot topic both in the US and in Europe, and the Command and Control (C2) link is one of the most important technological challenges to be addressed.

Regulatory and standardization bodies (especially ICAO, EUROCAE, JARUS) are making progress on this topic. Nevertheless, the work in front of us is still significant.

CERES study aimed, generally speaking, at supporting this effort and, in particular, at fostering the development of an adequate framework for the development of an appropriate C2 link satellite communication capability, by analysing the potential performances and security requirements as well as standard needs.

Furthermore, CERES complemented this top down approach by a bottom up approach, via the analysis of potential satcom candidate systems wrt. these requirements and needs.

Composite overwrapped pressure vessels are difficult to inspect for damage, particularly with respect to stress-rupture, creep and damage fibres embedded within the epoxy resin composite. To mitigate this risk of failure due to undetected damages, tanks are manufactured with significant margins and are thus “over engineered” in terms of flight needs. The project’s aim is to design a demonstrator of health monitoring system capable of detecting potentially dangerous damages and thus increasing safety of the vessels. The monitored vessels could be subsequently manufactured with smaller margins which result in their lower weight and reduced operation cost.

The objectives of the project are the
integration and trial of a communications system that
exploits the unique features of two wireless
technologies, namely DVB-RCS and terrestrial wireless
802.11x. The system is expected to be particularly
relevant to some rural communities, which are suffering,
when compared with urban communities, from a lack of
broadband communications. The new system will
provide a broadband system that is easy and quick to
install. The system can be shared by end users making
it cost effective.

The primary scope of activities to be undertaken within this project is service evaluation of a combined TDMA/DVB satellite network for Internet/Intranet services.

The project " Broadband Satellite
Information and e-Learning Channel for Manufacturers
and Service Companies (SiLC)", intends to deploy
broadband IP services via satellite to provide a new type
of high quality and professional service channel. It will
enable the electronic-hardware manufacturing industry
as well as the consumer electronics industry to
introduce their products to the trade and market
professionals and also to the end consumer.

A satellite based alarm and surveillance
system for security applications. The system is designed
to provide connectivity via satellite between alarm and
surveillance systems on one side and security centres
and other receivers, for example to protect the owners
of the property. The system will comply with the highest
performance classification of alarm transmission systems
in accordance with the relevant system directives, in
particular EN 50136 and VdS 2471 and will provide a
transparent link between any 3rd party alarm
transmitter and receiver systems conforming to EN
50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems) and EN 50132 (CCTV
Systems) and the applicable VdS directives.

MeCA provides a cost-effective and flexible
technology and service model that will allow marine
service operators to deploy and operate a range of IP
enabled services on their vessels, and will actively
commercialise the service. MeCA will develop and
validate a range of services in the Canadian East Coast
environment, including High-speed Internet access,
Tourism services, Banking (ATM, debit and credit card
services), Remote data collection and management and
Distance Education for the crew.

The HOST programme focused on the
development of the Hellas Sat commercial offering in
end-to-end satellite telecommunication services for
supporting the delivery of bidirectional, broadband
applications in Greece, the Balkans, SE Europe, and the
Middle East. The project intends to trial end-to-end
satellite telecommunication service provision to a variety
of potential customers for applications and generic
services in the area of e-Government, e-Business, e-
Inclusion/Digital Divide.

SENSIBLE (Satellite Enhanced Network System for flexIBLE bandwidth management) is a project aimed at the creation of a system to optimise the satellite bandwidth usage and, at the same time, to guarantee user's critical services such as VOIP, tele-conference, GSM, etc.
The core of the system is the detection of the users´ active services and the dynamic bandwidth allocation to the terminals included in the same administrative domain.

This project is aimed at designing, implementing and validating a mobile VSAT system at Ku-band for providing passengers of high speed trains with broadband access to internet.

The IMSATV (Immersive Satellite TV)
project intends to implement and deploy a precompetitive
Satcom Application pilot service based on
an enhanced / highly Immersive TV platform, for an
extended range of TV programmes, and optimised for
satellite bi-directional access. An advanced MHP
immersive platform will be realised and advanced
immersive TV content will be produced in order to run a
pre-operational pilot.

This project aims to set-up and
demonstrate the "modus operandi" for designing and
providing effective distance learning applications that
exploit the SkyPlexNet satellite technology available,
integrate satellite and terrestrial telecom infrastructures
and prepare for commercial sustainability.