Looking forward to more powerful broadband
The Redsat onboard computer, a key to providing next-generation broadband through far better signal quality and speed at lower cost, is ready to be added to the first SmallGEO satellite platform for launch next year.
Redsat processes and regenerates multi-channel broadband signals for downlink using a new Digital Video Broadcasting standard. As a result, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and the Americas will enjoy faster multimedia services.
Following a test campaign at Thales Alenia Space Spain in Madrid, it can now be sent on to TESAT-Spacecom in Germany for integration on the Hispasat-AG1 satellite payload module. Hispasat will be the first satellite to use the SmallGEO platform.
Redsat was built by Spanish firm Thales Alenia Space in partnership with ESA, and in association with Mier Communicaciones.
“The successful test campaign of Redsat proves the dynamism of Spanish industry in delivering highly innovative key equipment for telecommunication satellites,” said Andrea Cotellessa, ESA’s SmallGEO Programme Manager.
“Thales España and MIER Communicaciones, both involved in Redsat development since 2008, will undoubtedly strengthen their presence on the fast-growing telecommunication market.”
As an element of ESA’s ARTES-11 Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems, SmallGEO is an ESA- and DLR-funded project to develop a general-purpose small geostationary telecom satellite platform.
The Hispasat-AG1 satellite was developed in a public–private partnership between Hispasat-OHB and ESA.
