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

Thu, 06/15/2023 - 03:00
Start Date: 
2020
Programme: 
GSTP
End Date: 
2022
Programme Reference: 
GT11-012GS
Country: 
Luxembourg
Prime Contractor: 
HITEC LUXEMBOURG SA
Status: 
Closed
Objectives: 
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.
 
Description: 
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
 
Application Domain: 
Earth Observation
Technology Domain: 
12 - Ground Station Systems and Networks
Competence Domain: 
8-Ground Systems and Mission Operations
Initial TRL: 
TRL 3
Target TRL: 
TRL 5
Achieved TRL: 
TRL 6
Public Document: 
Type: 
Executive Summary
File: 
PDF icon 4000131866_GT11-012GS-EX.pdf