Achievements and sta

The millimeter wave domain is also known as the extremely high-frequency (EHF) spectrum ranges from 30 to 300 GHz. Early works on atmospheric propagation in EHF evidenced encouraging future usage for satellite communications. The allocated W-band for satellite services (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) seems to provide a favourable attenuation window related to oxygen absorption. The exploitation of W-band may offer many advantages for wireless communications, which make it suitable for satellite links, such as: broad bandwidths for high data rate information transfer (e.g.

Activity addresses the necessity of developing a competitive European Sep

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Many astronomical space missions observe at wavelengths which are absorbed by the atmosphere, as for example some infrared, ultraviolet or x-ray bands. Especially UV and x-ray optics have very stringent alignment tolerances due to the small wavelengths. Consequently, telescopes and instruments can only be tested at their operational wavelengths under vacuum conditions. Traditional methods for fixing optical elements and subassemblies (eg.

Test data on material properties and material performance under cryogenic conditions are increasingly required or current and future research, development and application activities (e.g. launcher propulsion systems). The very limited available data base does currently not cover new advanced metallic alloys, composite materials or materials manufactured with new processes e.g. Additive Manufacturing as selected and required for the next generation launcher and spacecraft missions.

Future missions are currently being proposed / designed with existing (or moderately inproved) Space-to-Earth communication capabilities in mind. Optical communications technology offers the potential of a dramatic increase in data-rates, specifically in the down-link of science data, thereby allowing for a substantial increase in science return.Direct detection technology using pulse position modulation (PPM) is regarded as the preferred solution for "deep space" optical links.

The ESA Deep Space Network consists of three 35m beam waveguide antennas located around the globe. The 35m beam waveguide antennas employ an X-Band feed covering the Deep Space uplink band near 7.2 GHz and down-link band near 8.45 GHz. Simultaneous uplink commanding at 20 kW and low noise reception (Generation #2) is supported. In order to increase the transmit power capability of ESA Deep Space antennas it is currently considered to add a new high power feed and associated 80 kW High Power Amplifier.