Objectives

Starting point for this activity was the EM design of a combined Tx-Rx Ka band feed chain for user application, developed in a previous program.

This feed chain was further developed and qualified as EQM in a scalable feed cluster. Therefore, beside the RF performance, mass and dimensions were important design drivers. The feed cluster in this program consists of a waveguide panel, designed as beam forming network, carrying 16 horn-polariser assemblies.

Challenges

The design of the Ka band feed chain needs to allow the application in a scalable feed cluster to be used as feed for a multi spot beam antenna. To be able to achieve narrow beam spacing and a compact feed size, the outer diameter of the feed chain was chosen to be 30mm. To achieve a good RF performance with such accommodation constraint, while fulfilling the environmental requirements was the main challenge of this program.

Plan

The project started with the mechanical analysis of the EM feed chain model of the previous program. Design iterations to balance RF performance and mechanical properties followed.

In parallel a waveguide panel with an integrated distribution network was designed. Both designs were performed under the constraint of scalability with respect to the number of feeds in the cluster.

After the detailed design phase all components were manufactured, integrated and tested according to the requirements.

Current Status

The project is completed successfully. 

Companies

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Germany

Airbus Defence and Space (UK)

http://www.airbus.com

United Kingdom

Objectives

Describe in less than 200 words the objectives of the project. 

The satellite communication market is evolving towards medium-volume production of antennas and associated front-ends. Indeed, in GEO applications, complex focal plane arrays of hundreds of antenna-feed chains and BFNs are required to implement Tbps VHTS systems. In LEO and MEO applications, constellations of several hundreds or even thousands of low-cost small satellites are already in operation or will be deployed soon. 

In this framework, additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are being steadily investigated and exploited for the development of RF equipment for satellite communication payloads. Indeed, AM technologies provide several advantages with respect to conventional machining, among which are free-form capability and fit-for-purpose design. These two specific aspects of AM enable the integration of different functionalities in a single monolithic part, thus reducing the number of parts, costs, lead time, and MAIT activities. 

The present project aims at developing through AM a monolithic K/Ka-band dual-circular-polarization antenna-feed system with integrated RF, thermal and mechanical functionalities, intended for GEO High Throughput Satellites.

Challenges

Additive manufacturing technologies offer several advantages in the development of highly integrated RF systems with additional functionalities. However, they also present critical aspects in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface roughness, when RF equipment working at K/Ka bands and in dual-circular polarization are targeted. In this view, one of the main challenges of the present project deal with the RF, mechanical and thermal co-design of the antenna-feed system capable of minimizing the impact of the manufacturing process on the performance. In parallel, challenges apply also on the manufacturing process in order to optimize the production parameters for the intended application.

System Architecture

The K/Ka-band dual-circular-polarization antenna-feed chain developed in the present project consists of a smooth-wall feed-horn and an asymmetrical feeding-network. 

Since a dense focal plane array is considered, the relevant feeding network has to fit within the radiating aperture of the feed horn. Moreover, it was considered the additional goal to minimize the transversal dimension of the feeding network to make feasible its potential application to arrays with smaller lattice steps. Indeed, asymmetric configurations lead to very streamlined geometries, compatible with lattice steps of the focal-plane array in the order of 20 mm, although at some expense in terms of performance (primarily, port-to-port isolation in polarization and XPD). To understand the applicability of these configurations, three different architectures were investigated.

The mechanical design of the EM integrates the adapters towards the standard measurement setup. The design of the thermal circuit integrated in the feeding network was carried out by considering a requirement of thermal dissipation equal to 2.5 W. After a trade-off study and considering the minimum tube dimensions, a Mechanically Pumped Fluid Loop (MPFL) system was selected.

Plan

The project plan consists of one phase, including the following milestones:

• Requirements Review (RR), focused on requirements at system, antenna and antenna-feed chain level, regarding RF, thermal and mechanical aspects.

• Mid-Term Review (MTR), focused on the preliminary RF design of the antenna-feed system and bread-boarding of key building blocks.

• Critical Design Review (CDR), aimed at the consolidation of the RF, thermal and mechanical co-design and additive manufacturing route of the EM.

• Test Readiness Review (TRR), focused on manufactured EM, test plan, and measurement setups and procedure.

• Test Review Board (TRB), aimed at the discussion on the comparison among predicted and measured performance of the EM, including RF, thermal and mechanical responses/properties.

• Final Review (FR), including all the activities carried out during the project and discussion on lessons learnt and follow-on activities.

Current Status

The project was successfully completed. Indeed, the tests performed on the EM confirm the validity of the RF, thermal and mechanical co-design and manufacturing approach and pave the way for a continuation of activities aimed at obtaining a higher TRL.

Related Links

• Pasquali Microwave Systems web page
• VEGA Composites web page

Companies

Pasquali Microwave Systems Srl

http://www.pasquali-microwavesystems.com/

Italy

CNR - IEIIT

https://www.ieiit.cnr.it

Italy

Politecnico di Torino

http://www.polito.it/

Italy

Argotec

https://www.argotecgroup.com

Italy

Objectives

Broadband antennas generating multiple beams within frequency/polarisation  reuse schemes fall into two categories: single feed per beam (SFPB)  requiring at least three antenna apertures, and multiple feed per beam  (MFPB) needing only two apertures but with greater feed system complexity.  In beam hopping or switching applications, the challenges of beam  generation are eased as fewer beams are active simultaneously, enabling  simpler, high-performance antenna designs potentially using just one  aperture. Beam hopping with dedicated pencil beams in high-traffic areas is  commercially valuable, offering flexible, cost-effective traffic management.

The goal was to design an antenna system capable of generating multiple  hopped or switched beams from combined or separate transmit/receive  apertures, reducing the number of apertures and costs by at least half  compared to current solutions. Innovative multibeam antenna solutions  have been investigated for both return and forward links.

Challenges

The “Feed Systems enabling Single Reflector Beam Hopping Antenna For  High Throughput Satellite” study introduces a Multi-Beam Antenna (MBA)  solution designed for flexibility and high-efficiency RF performance across  extensive coverage areas. 

The first major challenge concern the system architectures choices. It  outlines assumptions, constraints, and requirements for versatile V-HTS  missions, considering frequency plans, coverage, and bandwidth flexibility.  Features of TAS Spacebus-Neo and TAS Space Inspire platforms are  discussed, driving the need for a new V-HTS architecture utilizing a TAS  DTP6G based solution. 
 

System Architecture

The system comparison was focused on the following parameters :

1. System increasing the number of beams in the coverage,

2. System increasing the frequency band capacity at iso-power  consumed (lower PIRE density), 

3. Amplification technology (mass, consumption, dissipation,  redundancy management) with Mini-TWT vs SSPA Ka band,

4. Performances looking at 2 colors FFR (Fractional Frequency  Reuse) versus conventional 4 colors schemes, 

5. Definition, analyses and interest of MPA 2×2 solutions. 

The separation of the transmission and reception antennas functions in  independent sub-arrays, is naturally conceived on the SPI platform for which  the repeater is specialized with on the one hand a HPA matrix on the East  face and on the other hand, the receive RF chains on the other satellite  side/face.

Plan

This study was divided in five phases:

1. Beam Hopping antenna Technical Requirements, This phase is devoted to recall the possible architecture of beam hopping  based solutions, to identify the motivations for considering beam hopping  system and finally, to consolidate antenna technical requirements.

2. Antenna Concept Baseline for Feed System Development, This phase is devoted to identify the preferred beam hopping system and  propose antenna concept and associated technologies. 

3. Feed System Detailed design & Analysis & EM definition, This phase is devoted to the antenna feed system architecture trade-off,  focused on solutions based on the combined use of HPA matrix and Multi beam antennas in single multibeam antenna (Mono-R) configuration.

4. Manufacturing and assembly of the EM feed system, This phase was devoted to the manufacturing of the Engineering Model,

5. RF Test results of the EM feed system This phase was devoted to the tests of the Engineering Model.

Current Status

The activities performed on Feed Systems enabling Single Reflector Beam  Hopping Antenna For High Throughput relative to ARTES AT 5B.168 – contract 4000129443 brings a major step for future Ka flexible Ka V-HTS  system.

A development plan to make the selected antenna/feed system commercially  available has been produced, fixing the TRL at the 7th level, compatible with  a medium/long-term (2025 timescale) for its achievement. An antenna demonstrator showed the high degree of maturity of the solution.
 

Companies

Thales Alenia Space - France

https://www.thalesgroup.com/fr/espace

France

Objectives

The EUFRATE project focuses on leveraging Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to develop adaptable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for mission-critical applications, particularly in space missions and satellite communications. The project emphasizes several key objectives:

• Flexibility and Reconfigurability: Utilizing reconfigurable FPGAs, the project aims to enable in-orbit updates and error correction through dynamic partial reconfiguration (DPR), essential for adapting to evolving mission needs without physical access to hardware.

• Dependability: By employing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) FPGAs, the project seeks to ensure system reliability in harsh environments, using innovative error correction and fault tolerance techniques to maintain operations even in the event of hardware failures.

• Cost-Effectiveness: The project balances custom FPGA designs with the practicality of COTS FPGAs, delivering high-performance systems that are both efficient and economical.

• Scalability: Developing a scalable FPGA-based computing cluster, EUFRATE targets large-scale computing applications, enabling flexible communication and efficient task distribution within the cluster.

• Satellite Telecommunications: Advancements in satellite communications are pursued through Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) on FPGAs, aiming to create adaptable and cost-effective communication systems.

Overall, EUFRATE aims to address current and future challenges in space missions and satellite communications through innovative FPGA-based solutions.

Challenges

Key challenges encompassed both technical and organizational aspects. Technically, implementing Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration, ensuring seamless communication within the four-board cluster, and achieving the required number of Programmable Functional Units to meet stringent performance criteria were significant hurdles. Organizationally, coordinating efforts across three distinct workgroups and facilitating efficient information exchange posed challenges. Despite these challenges, both technical and organizational aspects were successfully managed, contributing to the overall success of the project.

System Architecture

The system architecture developed is centred around a highly scalable and resilient FPGA-based cluster, utilizing a mixed-mesh topology to optimize communication and performance. Figure 1 show the setup used for testing the system, with one tile implemented for the tests and the Spacecraft emulator as well.

Within each tile, nodes are interconnected using a wormhole router with an XY-routing algorithm, facilitating efficient data transfer through packets. The Aurora protocol, chosen for its scalability and high data rate, handles communication within and between tiles, connecting a maximum of four FPGAs per node to minimize link requirements while maximizing the cluster’s scalability.

The architecture also includes a robust control system using I2C protocol, allowing nodes to operate as either Master or Slave, dynamically sending and receiving data as needed. This setup supports over 100 nodes, ensuring scalability and efficient management of the cluster.

Key components include the Blazes and BaByloN Processing System, featuring microprocessors dedicated to cluster management and application-specific computations, and the TMR Beacon Controller, which monitors the health of the nodes and triggers dynamic reconfiguration when necessary. The architecture also incorporates an array of PFU-based accelerators for handling parallel and compute-intensive tasks, and a DDR4 Memory Controller for managing external memory access. The combination of these elements ensures a robust, high-performance system capable of meeting the project’s demanding requirements.

Figure 2 reports the high-level block diagram implemented for the testbed setup.

Plan

The project started on May 31st, 2021; the milestones outline key phases over 24 months. After the Kick-Off (KO), the project progressed through various reviews, including the System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review/Test Readiness Review (CDR/TRR), and the Test Review Boards (TRB). The project concludes with a Final Review (FR) and Final Presentation (FP). 

Current Status

The project is successfully completed. The Final Review and Final Presentation have been concluded, marking the end of all planned activities. The design has been finalized and validated through comprehensive radiation tests, which yielded positive results. These tests confirmed the project’s objectives, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. All milestones have been achieved, and the outcomes align with the initial goals, showcasing a robust and reliable design.

Related Links

• Argotec EUFRATE web page

Companies

Argotec

https://www.argotecgroup.com

Italy

Politecnico di Torino

http://www.polito.it/

Italy

Technische Universität Dresden

https://tu-dresden.de

Germany

Objectives

The objective of the proposed activity is to develop and test efficient broadband digital pre-distortion algorithms and architectures for payloads utilising digital processors.

The developed concept shall be implemented in a combined RF and digital processor testbed.

Tests in a laboratory environment will be carried out to fully evaluate the performance improvements. The basic idea is to consider at least 16 independent transmitting beams generated by a multiple-beam smart antenna, each one capable of using a transmission technology of something as 12 subcarriers organised in an OFDM architecture.

The amplifiers connected with the active antenna array should be linearised to target the following improvements:

• at least 10% improvement of payload capacity/throughput

• 30% higher signal C/I

• up to 5% DC-to-RF efficiency improvement

Challenges

The PA is a key element required in every communications system to strengthen the transmitted signal to compensate for the wireless radio channel losses.

The principles of predistortion linearisation are straightforward and precede the PA with a subsystem that counteracts the nonlinear characteristic of the PA.

The main challenge is to create a DPD capable of significantly reducing the output level of intermodulation.

In this case it would become possible to reduce the transmission back off (by increasing the output power level)), improving the efficiency of the transmission channel and at the same time improving the link budget.

Other important challenges are:

• make effective the DPD inside in a large bandwidth, in fact the DPD performances are typically better in a narrow band context;

• make effective the DPD by observing the return RF feedback by a reduced number of RF paths, so reducing the complexity of the hardware and of the digital algorithms.

Other challenges are to create a test bed capable of making the benefits of DPD fully evident.

For this reason, it is necessary to pay close attention to the performances of the RF and digital boards, in terms of:

• digital resources of the Digital module to generate modulated tones with beamforming and multi-beam capabilities;

• adequate spurious suppression related to the RF up-conversion process in the RF paths;

• Phase and amplitude matching of all the RF paths, in order to make them as similar as possible in performance.

System Architecture

The developed concept will be implemented in a combined RF and digital processor test-bed.

The test-bed can simulate the behaviour of the system, it is composed of the digital and the RF parts (RF part also contains the radiating elements) and by the necessary laboratory instrumentation.

The Digital module contains the following main functions:

• generation of multiple modulated tones;

• beamforming along four RF paths;

• digital pre-distortion of the conducted signal through the four RF paths.

• AD and DA converters.

The RF part is formed by four paths, everyone contains: 

• the Up-conversion stage for the forward signal routed to the radiating element;

• the Down-conversion stage for the feedback signal routed to the Digital Module.

Test measurements will be made inside an automatic test procedure, involving the test-bed together the instrumentation.

The external computer will be connected to the test-bed through standard ethernet/USB interfaces and to the instrumentation through standard ethernet/IE488.

Plan

The program foresees a detailed design of a validated Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) techniques and combined RF and processor testbed with accompanying algorithms in source code, the realization of the prototype and the verification of the characteristics.

The program duration is 24 months with the following timeline:

The following milestones are foreseen during the 24 months of activities:

• a Specification Requirements Review (RR)

• a Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

• a Detailed Design Review (DDR)

• an Implementation Review (IR)

• a Test Readiness Review, (TRR) at the completion of prototype implementation;

• a Final Review (FR) and a Final Presentation, at the end of the activities.

Current Status

The project is started on 01/07/2024 and a KO meeting between ESA and ITS/Consorzio ULISSE has been held.

Companies

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES S.r.l.

Italy

Consorzio ULISSE

http://www.consorzioulisse.it/

Italy

Objectives

The aim of the project is to develop a power supply for Ka/Q/V-Band Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and associated technologies. The power supply should be modular, flexible and capable to function at high temperature. The temperature requirement refers to an increased temperature compared to conventional baseplate regulation and in this case was set to 85°C. Modularity addresses the need to have a solution capable to supply a variable amount of SSPAs by stacking or assembling modules. Finally the flexibility refers to the possibility to have different input and output voltage, in order to bring flexibility regarding Bus Voltage as well as different SSPA technology. 

Technology demonstrator will be manufactured as well as an electrical model with relevant technologies implemented. The electrical model shall be tested under vacuum, with a regulation at 85°C.

Challenges

The challenges of the projects are related to system, technology and electrical topology. System architecture should be understood in order to propose a relevant solutions for SSPAs. Compatibility to temperature is a challenging part as it is 20°C higher than conventional baseplate regulation. Finally there is a challenge related to electrical topology and the requirement to have a flexible and modular solution.

System Architecture

At system level, integration of the power supply and the SSPAs will depend on the antenna architecture. For Ka/Q/V bands, the narrow distance between radiating elements makes it a requirement to have a remote power supply and to use harnesses to connect the SSPAs. Typically, SSPA antennas have their own cooling loop (different from the satellite baseplate) in order to manage the important dissipation of the amplifiers. A power supply compatible with higher temperature regulation makes it possible to integrate the module close to the antenna which is a benefit at system level. 

Plan

The project plan is the following : 

• System architecture & Requirements 

• Architecture Design 

• Detailed Design 

• Implementation and manufacturing 

• Tests, compliance to specifications and roadmap

Current Status

Project has been completed successfully.

From early concept including new technologies to electrical testing under vacuum conditions at 85°C. The model is capable to supply 8 SSPAs (max 5A, 25V), for a total output power of 1kW. 93.5% Efficiency was measured under vacuum conditions with a regulation at 85°C.
 

Companies

Thaes Alenia Space Belgium

https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en

Belgium

Objectives

This project activity aims at developing Ku-band and Ka-band compact high-power ODEMUX (Output Demultiplexer) based on ceramic-loaded resonators to be used in next generation on-board satellite systems. A review of the most suitable concepts for compact ODEMUX based on ceramic-loaded resonators will be carried out with emphasis on filter high-Q performance, thermal stability, high-power handling in space environment and compactness. The activity will trade off and select at least two baseline concepts for Ku-band and at least two concepts for Ka-band and will produce a detailed design of breadboards (BB) in phase 1 and of engineering models (EM) in phase 2. The EM will be based on the more promising baselines selected at end of phase 1. Finally, an extensive test campaign will be performed on the two EM ODEMUXs at Ku-band and Ka-band. 

Challenges

Dielectric-loaded resonators allow to significantly reduce mass and size of high-Q filters. In particular, ceramic materials allow both for significant size reduction (thanks to their high relative permittivity) and for high-Q (thanks to their high QxF factor). Compact filters, anyway, risk to be very sensitive to manufacturing tolerances of the ceramic parts. Moreover, power-handling risks to be critical mainly because ceramic materials does not allow for a good thermal flow as metal materials and because their Multipactor features need to be studied case by case. Custom designs and studies in combination between electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical domains need to be performed to carefully evaluate, trade-off and mitigate risk of thermal instability and criticality in high-power operating conditions.

System Architecture

In satellite, a single Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) is shared between two or more beams in current multi-beam (Ku/Ka-band) on-board systems. This is in order to reduce the number of high-power amplifiers embarked on the satellite. In this scenario an Output De-Multiplexer (ODEMUX) can be employed after the TWTA to separate the signals destined for each beam.

Plan

The entire work of the project is organized and divided into two technical and contractual phases. 

In the first parts, the most promising technology concepts are planned to be tested at BB level, leading to the final design concept selection. In the second part, EMs close to a final product have to be designed and subjected to an extensive environmental and RF test campaign.
 

Current Status

The project is finalized. 

FR meeting of the project is scheduled in May 2024.
 

Related Links

• RF Microtech projects, DOMUK

Companies

RF Microtech Srl

http://www.rfmicrotech.com

Italy

Objectives

The objective of the activity is to design, manufacture and evaluate test samples in order to derive acceptance criteria of defects and ageing effects in high voltage printed circuit boards of EPC and PPU using voltages higher than 500V. As example (non-exhaustive cases) :

Challenges

The main challenges of this activity are the following :

• to develop techniques to inject reproducible defects into PCBs for test purposes

• to predict and verify ageing effects, life limiting-factors and the impact on screening yield. 

• to study the effects using a theoretical approach and conduct associated verification tests, 

• to derive rules for screening and acceptance and develop automated screening methods, 

• to derive pass fail criteria for acceptance of defects 

• to review design rules

System Architecture

The PCB topologies that will be assessed in this study are intended for high voltage applications; the results of this activity will therefore be usable for the design, the manufacturing and the test of the following High Voltage products/architectures :

• Electronic Power Conditioners (EPC) up to 10kV.

• Power Processing Units (PPU) up to 1.6kV.

Plan

Existing approaches for optimised PCB procurement and design rules for low voltage PCBs shall serve as a starting point. Considering high voltage specific requirements and problem areas, an important part of this project is to design and manufacture hardware high voltage PCB samples/breadboards to carry out verification testing. 

The study logic (including a short description of each work package and the reviews of the project) is visible here below : 
 

• RR : “Requirements Review” with the objective to define a complete, self-standing and traceable set of technical requirements for the deliverable items. 

• BR : “Baseline Review” with the objective to select the technical baseline that offers the best potential to achieve the activity objectives.

• DR : “Design Review” with the objective to establish a detailed design and demonstrate, by appropriate analyses, simulations, tests or other means, that it can satisfy the technical requirements. 

• TRR : “Test Readiness Review” with the objective to establish all detailed plans necessary to successfully implement and test the deliverable items and verify their compliance to the technical specifications. 

• TRB/FR : “Test Review Board”/”Final Review” with the objectives to Implement the deliverable items, quantify their performances by means of a suitable test campaign and demonstrate compliance to the technical requirements and to perform a critical assessment of the potential of the developed items for commercial exploitation

Current Status

The “Acceptance criteria for defects and ageing effects in high voltage EPC and PPU printed circuit boards” has been launched ; the kick-off of the activity has been held the 18/01/2024.

The first step of the activity is now ongoing.

So, the project activity starts with :

• A technical survey of the state-of-the-art (incl. literature, patents, commercially available products and technologies).

• A Critical Assessment of the State-of-the-Art.

• The finalized technical specification of the activity.

• The definition of the outline verification plan of the activity.

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Belgium

http://www.thalesgroup.com

Belgium

ACB

https://acb.be/fr/accueil/

Belgium

Objectives

The study is relevant to the next generation broadband telecommunication service (VHTS) based on Single Feed Per Beam, developing an Engineering Model (EM) of a demanding innovative feed system operating from 17.7 GHz to 51.5 GHz providing simultaneously user and feeder link service.

The Feed system development has been addressed considering its application in operative scenarios:

• Provision of multi-media services at high data rate.

• Compatibility with small user terminals.

• High/very-high throughput supported by payload on board a geostationary satellite.

• European service area with focus on national mission needs.

• multi beams system solution in Ka/K band for user link and Q/V band for feeder link.

• Users coverage over Europe and Gateways concentrically aligned over the users coverage

• Medium size satellite platform compatible with medium/large class of launchers

• Board tracking system planned

• Compatibility with innovative electric propulsion system platforms

• Payload having a target mass of 400 Kg and a target power of 4 KW

The main design objectives have been:

• To guarantee proper RF performance over an extremely wide spectrum range 

• Tunable approach to be easily customized for a given antenna system

• Compact envelope to be accommodated in a feed cluster

Challenges

At current state of the art a feed system involving the User and Feeder bands has not been developed.

The main design challenge is to guarantee in a compact envelope (cross-section within 45 mm) RF performances over so different bandwidths (K/Ka vs Q/V) in terms of proper radiation patterns, Ohmic losses, XPD, Isolation, tracking capability.

System Architecture

The selected modular architecture of optimized feed system is composed by 3 main subsystems:

• Quadriband subsystem: it includes a smooth-wall quadri-band feed-horn and the coaxial OMJ which separates the K/Ka-band signals from the Q/V-band ones (user bands (K/Ka) are extracted (injected) in the external part of coaxial structure meanwhile the feeder bands (Q/V) are propagating in the inner coaxial part)

• K/KA recombination network: it separates the K and Ka-band signals. It consists of the cascade of a recombination turnstile OMT that couples the signals entering at the four rectangular-waveguides connected to the quadri-band sub-system to a common square waveguide. The recombination turnstile OMT consists of a turnstile junction in square-waveguide loaded with four chamfered L-junctions. The K/Ka band polarization/frequency-diplexing network consists of an asymmetric OMJ with two longitudinal slots used to couple the K-band signals to two rectangular waveguide arms

• Q/V recombination network: it separates Q and V band and polarizations. It is composed by the cascade of: an irises polarizer, a wide band OMT and a diplexer

The selected feed system baseline direct configuration has 6 active ports:

• 2 active ports for user link (1 polarization for K band and 1 polarization for Ka band)

• 4 active ports for feeder link (2 polarization for Q band and 2 polarizations for V band)

• 2 loaded ports for user links and no ports for tracking.

Plan

The Study is characterised by seven major milestones marking the development of the technical tasks:
MS1: System Requirement Review (SRR)
MS2: Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
MS3: Critical Design Review (CDR)
MS4: Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR)
MS5: Test Readiness Review (TRR)
MS6: Test Review Board (TRB) 
MS7: Final Review (FR)

The project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is reported in the following figure.

Current Status

The project started in October 2020; the SRR was held in February 2021, has been completed in October 2023 with the Final Review.

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy

Italy

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

https://www.ieiit.cnr.it

Italy