Tri-band (S/X/K) feed system design for future EO missions

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 systemTrade-off study on feed horn and optical layoutSystem design performance budgetsS/X/K tri-band feed horn designS/X/K-band optical designX-Band combining network and tracking coupler designRe-design of the reflector and sub-reflector and backup structures (if required)Precautions for PIM preventionDesign of new waveguide runsComponents selection and racking designAdaptation of local MC systemSpecification of the antenna with S/X/K-band feed, subsystem specification of feed-system and X-Band devices/componentsUpdated layout of the antenna hub, waveguide runs, RF component placement etc.Manufacturing and testing of critical feed components identified during the design phase