Tri-band Antenna Feed for Future Earth Observation Missions
The next generation of Earth Observation satellites require the ability to downlink an ever-increasing amount of payload data. A more efficient use of the frequency spectrum is needed for both S-band TT&C and X/K band data downlinks operations. This will improve the payload data return, avoiding the use of already congested bands, and decrease the risk of interference from high latitude ground stations.
A GSTP funded activity led by HITEC Luxembourg S.A (Luxembourg), together with Mirad Microwave (Switzerland), developed the design of two full motion ground station terminals. Each terminal can operate simultaneously across S/K/X bands supporting current, planned, and future Earth Observation missions.
A core component for a multi-frequency ground station is the antenna feed. The three different frequency bands must be supported by a specific part of a nested feed horn combination, shaped to have identical directives and a co-local phased foci in all the required bands.
Offering the capabilities in:
- Reception in S, X and K band
- Transmission in S and X band
- Autotrack in S, K and X band
Accuracy requirements are driven by the capability of the K-band, whereas space and radio frequency power handling requirements are driven by the S- and X-bands.
The design of two antenna feed systems, with reflector diameters of either 14 m or 6.8 m, was developed from existing S/X/K tri band systems. A 14 m diameter antenna was adapted from a previously funded GSTP activity (Design of S/K-band Ground Station Antenna – 13 to 15m Aperture – for Earth Observation Application) performed by the same consortium, where its technology readiness level was raised to four (functional verification). A smaller 6.8 m diameter antenna, by comparison, was based on a commercially available S/X band product from HITEC Luxembourg and equipped with a dual-band feed from Mirad Microwave. The technology readiness level was raised to 6 (full scale model in demonstrated in relevant environment) and the antenna is now ready for commercialisation – providing a turnkey solution to the communication market.
Both antennas will be added to the HITEC Luxembourg commercial antenna portfolio.
Contract 40001131866 closed in 2022. The results were presented at the 2023 Technology Sharing Day. The investment in tri-band system continues with ESA currently funding two activities within the TDE (Tri-band S/X/K Multi-frequency Radome for Earth Observation Missions with VEGA Composites S.R.L and HITEC Luxemburg S.A) and GSTP (S-X-Ka Tri-band Radio Frequency Antenna Feed with SAFRAN) technology development programmes.
