So far EO missions have been operated in S-Band (TTC) and in X-Band (payload data). In the future TTC services will migrate to X-Band and payload data will be transmitted in K-Band. The objective of this activity is to design a feed that will be able to operate in S/X/K-Band to cover running and upcoming EO missions.

 

The layout of the 14m X/K-Band antenna developed under a previous GSTP activity will be used as starting point to define the feed specifications. A trade-off among different feed configuration will be performed. After selection of the preferred solution the feed will be designed including diplexers/filters and tracking couplers. Mechanical drawings will be prepared and critical components will be manufactured and tested in order to de-risk the project.

 

In particular, the following activities will be performed:

• Feasibility analysis of tri-band feed horn and combining system

• Trade-off study on feed horn and optical layout

• System design performance budgets

• S/X/K tri-band feed horn design

• S/X/K-band optical design

• X-Band combining network and tracking coupler design

• Re-design of the reflector and sub-reflector and backup structures (if required)

• Precautions for PIM prevention

• Design of new waveguide runs

• Components selection and racking design

• Adaptation of local MC system

• Specification of the antenna with S/X/K-band feed, subsystem specification of feed-system and X-Band devices/components

• Updated layout of the antenna hub, waveguide runs, RF component placement etc.

• Manufacturing and testing of critical feed components identified during the design phase