Description
The objective of this activity is to develop a prototype model of a high gain Ka-band (horn) antenna and associated pointing mechanism for use on small satellites Targeted improvements: European industry is considering commercial telecommunication missions, which are based on (multiple) smaller satellites. In addition tothe necessary repeater equipment, these missions will require high-gain antennas and associated antenna pointing mechanisms. U.S. suppliers are currently offering high-gain (23 dBi) horn antenna's for smaller satellites, however low weight pointing mechanisms.
Targeted Improvements:
European industry is considering commercial telecommunication missions, which are based on (multiple) smaller satellites. In addition to the necessary repeater equipment, these missions will require high-gain antennas and associated antenna pointing mechanisms.
U.S. suppliers are currently offering high-gain (23 dBi) horn antenna's for smaller satellites, however low weight pointing mechanisms ( < 0.5 kg) for smaller satellites are not available.
Description:
Future communications missions based on smaller satellites will require pointed antennas to keep contact with their gateways. Such pointing mechanisms are not available for smaller satellites, also the antennas themselves are only available within ESA Member States.
The activity shall establish the antenna and antenna pointing requirements for future Ka-Band FSS communications missions based on smaller satellites. Within the activity, the small satellite community shall be consulted to validate assumptions and requirements, including target satellite platform, gateway tracking characteristics, on-board antenna accommodation constraints etc. Based on validated requirements, the activity shall design, develop and test a medium gain antenna solution and a pointing mechanism.
Within the activity, a flight opportunity shall be sought.
Tender Specifics