PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Multibeam Telecom satellite missions with small beams up to Ka band require large aperture antennas with increased focal length and/or large reflector clearance.
To achieve this goal, an Antenna Deployment and Pointing System (A-DPS) is required. The study objective is to assess the reflector assembly dynamic and kinematic impacts at satellite level on pointing performances, considering DPS solutions and define the most efficient architecture and product evolutions for Antenna Tracking System (ATS) to meet the mission pointing requirements.
In relation with ATS evolutions, the feasibility of upgrading the actuation chain HW at MPIU level is investigated with a dedicated breadboard.
Challenges
Competitiveness is a key driver to successfully embark Antenna Deployment and Pointing System (A-DPS) and Antenna Tracking System (ATS) product. Consequently, the study focuses on architecture and products providing the most attractive recurring cost.
Mechanical instabilities are expected for the ATS product when applied to an antenna equipped with A-DPS. Additionally, new flexible modes (over larger band) and mix of flexible modes are expected when several antenna types have to be handled with ATS on the same satellite (e.g. some antennas with boom and some without boom).
The study investigates on this DPS/ATS feasibility and compatibility demonstration, with simulations to define and tune specific ATS software adaptions, and check at hardware bench level that increased actuation chain rate is compatible with Antenna Deployment and Trimming Mechanism (ADTM) behaviour.
System Architecture
The development investigates the most efficient share of ATS functions and hardware between the space segment and the ground segment, to obtain satisfactory antennas pointing performances, with the highest cost efficiency.
Plan
The project started in October 2015. Its duration is 18 months. The project milestones comprise a Kick-Off Meeting (KOM), a Baseline Design Review (BDR), a Mid-Term Review (MTR), and a Final Review (FR).
Current Status
Final review held in November 2017.
