Satellite 2017 High Technology For The Global Satellite Market

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Satellite 2017 High Technology For The Global Satellite Market"

Ambrose Boone
5 years ago
Views:

1 Satellite 2017 High Technology For The Global Satellite Market

15 Years of Tesat-Spacecom For more than fifteen years, Tesat-Spacecom from Backnang, Germany, stands for quality and innovation

Fifteen years full of exciting developments, innovations, great milestones and the one or other big and small revolution in space.

With the self-confidence of more than 700 realized space projects and more than 250 million in-orbit hours, Tesat-Spacecom expects

A short review of the last one and a half decades: In 2006, Tesat- Spacecom delivered the HP amplifier subsystems for the first

In 2007, Tesat-Spacecom sent their first Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) on board the NFIRE into space and established in 2008

In 2013, Alphasat was manned with the revolutionary laser technology and in 2014 the first satellite connection between a GEO and

The coronation of this era was the last year s start of service of the SpaceData- Highway, in which not only the LCTs for its

This worldwide unique technology only enables the combination of laser communication and RF communication.

In the context of the OSIRIS REx mission to Bennu, with Juno on the way to Jupiter or with Philae and ExoMars to our red neighbour

2 15 Years of Tesat-Spacecom For more than fifteen years, Tesat-Spacecom from Backnang, Germany, stands for quality and innovation in space equipment. Fifteen years full of exciting developments, innovations, great milestones and the one or other big and small revolution in space. With pride one can look back on what has been created, and with pride one can look into the future on what is still to come. With the self-confidence of more than 700 realized space projects and more than 250 million in-orbit hours, Tesat-Spacecom expects the future with excitement as well as with enthusiastic curiosity. A short review of the last one and a half decades: In 2006, Tesat- Spacecom delivered the HP amplifier subsystems for the first Bundeswehr satellite. In 2007, Tesat-Spacecom sent their first Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) on board the NFIRE into space and established in 2008 the world s first inter-satellite link with the TerraSAR-X. In 2013, Alphasat was manned with the revolutionary laser technology and in 2014 the first satellite connection between a GEO and a LEO satellite was established over a distance of 40,000 kilometres. The coronation of this era was the last year s start of service of the SpaceData- Highway, in which not only the LCTs for its satellites came from Backnang, but in the case of EDRS-A and EDRS-C even the complete payloads including hybrid relay payloads. This worldwide unique technology only enables the combination of laser communication and RF communication. Apart from all these milestones, parts, components, modules and systems from Backnang have already travelled quite a long way. In the context of the OSIRIS REx mission to Bennu, with Juno on the way to Jupiter or with Philae and ExoMars to our red neighbour planet. Even the International Space Station already had the benefit of Swabian high precision, which within the Automated Transport Vehicles (ATV) installed provided vital supply. Though less far away and yet path breaking is Tesat- Spacecom also in the application of additive manufacturing techniques for the production of microwave components keyword: 3D printing. At the end of this adulation, it can only be said that Tesat-Spacecom is looking forward to the next fifteen years of new challenges and opportunities, developments and innovations and be sure that they will come.

Solid State Power Amplifiers have long been an important and large part of Tesat-Spacecom s product portfolio.

The aim of these developments was to increase the performance of the SSPAs, but at the same time to reduce the weight, which is a classic high

10-220W 30-120W In the L-, S-, C- and X-Band GaN, the new generation of Solid State Power Amplifiers has a maximum RF output power of up to 220 W,

Another key feature of the new high-performance amplifiers is the direct waveguide output, so therefore no further modules or devices have to be

3 Solid State Power Amplifiers have long been an important and large part of Tesat-Spacecom s product portfolio. Now, a new milestone in this technology has been laid by research and development made in Germany. The aim of these developments was to increase the performance of the SSPAs, but at the same time to reduce the weight, which is a classic high performance low weight approach, whose great importance in the space industry does not require any further explanation W W In the L-, S-, C- and X-Band GaN, the new generation of Solid State Power Amplifiers has a maximum RF output power of up to 220 W, whilst the weight could be reduced to 1,500 to 1,900 g an advancement that is currently on the brink of the global high-tech market. Another key feature of the new high-performance amplifiers is the direct waveguide output, so therefore no further modules or devices have to be connected. Of course, Tesat-Spacecom continues to offer their long years of space-tested high-performance SSPAs from previous generations W GaN GaAs 1-30W 8-30W 1-30W SSPA Research Made in Germany Extended portfolio within SSPAs 1-20W 1-10W 1-8W 1-10W L-Band S-Band C-Band X-Band Ku-Band Ka-Band

With the new product family High Density Integrated Equipment (HDI), Tesat-Spacecom has entered new territory and is proud to announce this as a world novelty.

The invention of this new product family was successful, whilst its uniqueness not only depends on the fact that there are worldwide currently no products available that can be compared with

The special about this global novelty is not only that it was possible to significantly reduce mass and power consumption, but that a product was created that combines the functions of up to 15

The advantages are obvious. Current payloads need a lot of different equipments.

4 With the new product family High Density Integrated Equipment (HDI), Tesat-Spacecom has entered new territory and is proud to announce this as a world novelty. The aim of this mammoth project in research and development was to create a product that is not only new, smaller and lighter, but at the same time better than all its comparable products. The invention of this new product family was successful, whilst its uniqueness not only depends on the fact that there are worldwide currently no products available that can be compared with Tesat-Spacecom s HDI equipment. The special about this global novelty is not only that it was possible to significantly reduce mass and power consumption, but that a product was created that combines the functions of up to 15 different equipments in HDI High Density Integrated Equipment: A World Novelty one single product. In short: it is the integration of all mandatory payload functions into one box! The advantages are obvious. Current payloads need a lot of different equipments. Each of these payloads generates effort in terms of: Specification, Procurement, NRE, Manufacturing, Testing, Payload AIT, RF- & DC-Connections. Imagine that in the future this will only be necessary for a single device instead of a dozen different devices from a variety of different suppliers. All in all each equipment can be split into functional and supporting blocks. Functional blocks realize the RF transmission according to the specification, supporting blocks realize the operation of the equipment itself, which has no added value to the main functions like DC / DC Converter, TM / TC interface or mechanical interfaces. In the end, the effort for a variety of different devices on a payload can be minimized and standardized.

5 So what is in the box? Or: What could be in this one box? Pure customer decision! Depending on the area of application and the desired functionality, Tesat-Spacecom can integrate exactly and only that what is wanted or needed in the style of Mass Customization Production. It can be chosen from a number of different functional and supporting blocks 1). A possible deployment and what this ultimately means for the project can be seen in the diagram (Fig. 1). Within this configuration where now up to 14 different devices have been specified, procured, manufactured etc. the worldwide unique and new HDI equipment can reduce this effort to three different units! So not only weight and power consumption of a single device was reduced and optimized, but the weight and power consumption of an entire payload and all internal processes. The High Density Integrated Equipment is currently prototyping and is available in Ku- and Ka-Band, whilst Tesat-Spacecom is currently working on the integration of Q- and V-Band. Gateway HDI Module E.g.: IMUX Prozessor etc Forward Channeling & Filtering User HDI Module Converter HPA Converter LNA BP Filter Isolator Isolator LNA Converter 1) Functional Blocks Frequency Converter Low Noise Amplifier Frequency Synthesiser Up/Down converter Low Noise Amplifiers High Power Amplifiers Bandpass Filters Isolators Support Blocks TM/TC interface DC/DC converter Converter CAMP HPA Synthesizer Channel Amplifier High dynamic range ALC / FGM High Gain High Power Amplifier 10 Ka-Band 35 Ku-Band Frequency Synthesizer Controlled by TM / TC LNA Linearizer Isolator BP Filter Linearizer Matched to GaN chipset Matched to TWTAs Isolator Filter BP Filter HPA Converter Fig. 1: High Density Integrated Equipment Diagram E.g.: IMUX Prozessor etc Backward Channeling & Filtering User HDI Module Converter HPA Converter LNA BP Filter Isolator

In order to manage layout constraints and high densities on small and medium satellites, Tesat-Spacecom steps forward into the third dimension.

HTS Support for HTS Satellites Passive Products implements new approaches Tesat-Spacecom has designed and delivered suitable products to support

OMUXes Multilayer approach for small and medium satellites Merge components to miniassemblies A characteristic nature of HTS satellites is their

The combining and splitting of frequency bands is realized in a unity multiplexer.

This design approach was extended to IMUX filters in 2017 as well.

footprint. A typical approach is shown in the image on the left.

The upper floors are equipped with filters, switches, couplers and circulators.

They are routed across the units to minimize payload integration effort and to improve overall RF performance.

6 In order to manage layout constraints and high densities on small and medium satellites, Tesat-Spacecom steps forward into the third dimension. Other design approaches to enhance payload integration time and cost reduction by at the same time enhancing overall performance are forged ahead. HTS Support for HTS Satellites Passive Products implements new approaches Tesat-Spacecom has designed and delivered suitable products to support agile High Troughput Satellite (HTS) architectures and to manage their complexity by three main technology streams: Multi-Manifold IMUXes and OMUXes Multilayer approach for small and medium satellites Merge components to miniassemblies A characteristic nature of HTS satellites is their high number of signal paths and the resulting complex frequency plan. To support this, Tesat-Spacecom has designed Multi- Manifold OMUXes. The combining and splitting of frequency bands is realized in a unity multiplexer. Due to this arrangement, the number of filters can be reduced, at the same time enhancing overall performance and reducing total cost. This design approach was extended to IMUX filters in 2017 as well. To manage the layout constraints and high density on small and medium satellites, Tesat-Spacecom is using the third dimension to maintain a small footprint. A typical approach is shown in the image on the left. On the first floor, Multi-Manifold OMUXes and units with power absorption like loads are integrated. The upper floors are equipped with filters, switches, couplers and circulators. The waveguide rooting is squeezed in between the units and on the upper levels. They are routed across the units to minimize payload integration effort and to improve overall RF performance. Single connectors for switch actuation and temperature control are reducing payload integration time. The third topic is the implementation of a new design philosophy of amalgamating single devices to achieve integrated solutions. A typical example is shown in the figure. The load and the circulators are combined to a single unit with comparable performance but with low cost and smaller footprint. The next integration level, realised by a merge of 11 components at 30 GHz to a single device, will be available in This unit is setting another cornerstone by providing functionality and cost benefit in equal measure.

7 With the new Multiport Amplifier (MPA), Tesat-Spacecom delivers one core element for flexible payloads. What yet has only been hoped for has become the realizable present with the new concept: the creation of a wideband power pool. Innovation in a nutshell: It allows bundling channels in flexible payloads. Instead of individually manufacture, assemble and integrate all single components, the new MPA subsystem is a single solution from a single source for all aspects. It simplifies the procurement phase at customer level by a multitude. It reduces the external supplier interfaces and results in a reduced lead time. A true one-stop shop! For the whole new MPA, specific and special components have been developed and manufactured to meet all new requirements, by simultaneously incorporating heritage into new developments as far as possible and leaving the key modules unchanged. These are for example amplifiers with integrated linearizers, gain adjusters and phase shifters based on MPM heritage (PHLin), or Compact INET and ONET Butler matrices. The modular design, which the new MPA is based on, allows developing a variety of advantages. It was possible to save a great deal of mass and space. Furthermore, it is possible to tailor each MPA individually to the specific requirements, while reducing the AIT effort on system level by the pre-assembled MPA. The MPA is delivered almost ready to use with a simplified integration concept. In addition to that, Tesat-Spacecom maintains the full performance responsibility on MPA level and ultimately delivers a fully tested end-to-end performance, resulting in remarkable schedule savings on customer side. ϕ LIN PHLIN TWT ISOL ϕ LIN D-EPC TP Filter PHLIN TWT ISOL TP Filter EPC ϕ LIN TP Filter MPA 4x4 INET Switch Matrix PHLIN ϕ LIN PHLIN TWT TWT ISOL ISOL Switch Matrix TP Filter 4x4 ONET D-EPC Tesat-Spacecom The One-Stop-Shop for Multiport Amplifiers ϕ LIN PHLIN TWT ISOL

*Activities covered under SmallGEO ESA program Over 20 years after DFS-Copernicus the first German satellite was successfully launched into orbit: Hispasat 36W-1.

The role Tesat-Spacecom has played is the one of the Payload Prime, which means being the responsible for the heart and soul of the satellite.

the coordination of the subcontractors and is justifiably proud of the great collaboration between all parties involved, especially of the collaboration with OHB.

The Ku / Ka-Band Digitally Controlled Microwave Power Modules have high-performance TWTAs with an RF output power of up to 150 W and a high-speed TM / TC interface

8 *Activities covered under SmallGEO ESA program Over 20 years after DFS-Copernicus the first German satellite was successfully launched into orbit: Hispasat 36W-1. The telecommunication satellite, loaded with the new developed SmallGEO platform, will supply Europe and South America with multimedia services. The role Tesat-Spacecom has played is the one of the Payload Prime, which means being the responsible for the heart and soul of the satellite. On the transparent bent-pipe payload, 24 Ku-Band transponders, 5 Ka-Band transponders, 3 reflector antennas, 1 Ku-Band active array receiving antenna and 1 on-board processor station find their place. In addition to the payload design, the numerous testing of the equipment and all the functions in the various test campaigns, Tesat-Spacecom was also responsible for the coordination of the subcontractors and is justifiably proud of the great collaboration between all parties involved, especially of the collaboration with OHB. Also on board of H36W-1 are the all new MPMs or FPMs (flexible programmable MPMs). The Ku / Ka-Band Digitally Controlled Microwave Power Modules have high-performance TWTAs with an RF output power of up to 150 W and a high-speed TM / TC interface based on CAN-Bus standard. The FPMs, which were developed in collaboration with the German Space Agency (DLR), allow the output power range of the appropriate traveling-wave tube to be adjusted in a range of about 4 db with a minimum loss of efficiency. Moreover, these MPMs make use of modern mixed signal ASIC technology to increase the degree of integration and flexibility during tuning and test. HISPASAT H36W-1 Payload Prime from Backnang

Data Relay Market Constellation Market Direct-to-Earth Market Tesat-Spacecom has been the world leader in the development and manufacturing of LCTs for more than 10 years.

9 Data Relay Market Constellation Market Direct-to-Earth Market Tesat-Spacecom has been the world leader in the development and manufacturing of LCTs for more than 10 years. The world s first inter-satellite links were made possible and realized at the time using this groundbreaking technology. It is therefore only logical that the next milestone in the field of optical broadband communication comes from Backnang. LCT All-Embracing Portfolio for Laser Communication This next big milestone is the further development of the LEO135 earth observation pioneer to a SMARTer product LEO SMART with the same performance, but lower SWAPC (Size, Weight and Power, Cost). In the future the LEO SMART (2) 2 inherits the venerable LEO135. Like its predecessor, it will be able to produce inter-satellite links over a distance of up to 45,000 km at data rates of 1.8 Gbit / sec. The biggest difference is its dimensions and weight, which could be reduced by a factor of three. The compatibility with the GEO135 (1) 1 backbones, which already have a long heritage in orbit, is also guaranteed. The new LCT with the nickname The Future User is perfectly matched to the LEO data relay market and has achieved TRL 4 status. FM is planned for 2021 while first orders were already received. Another new feature in the field of laser communication terminals is the ConLCT (3) 3, which has been designed specifically to meet the needs and functionalities of LEO satellite constellations. The goal was also to keep mass and dimensions as low as possible at maximum performance. The ConLCT is designed to provide a grid matrix for constellations with four individually adjustable laser communication terminals, which have a range of up to 6,000 km for intersatellite links even data rates of up to 5 Gbit / sec are possible over this distance. The Specialist, as the Con- LCT is also called, is thus a perfect fit for the constellation market and has achieved TRL 4 status too. An integrated concept was started by use of integrated photonics. For the upcoming Direct-to- Earth (DTE) market, Tesat-Spacecom has the LEO-DTE (5) 5, which is even smaller and reduces the size and weight once more by a factor of four. With a weight of less than 5 kg and a size that would easily fit into any glove box, it is capable of establishing a data link at a rate of up to 10 Gbit / sec over a distance of 1,500 km. The downlink LCT developed in cooperation with DLR IKN has achieved TRL 5 status, while its first generation is already in orbit. The latest pioneer project is called CubeL (4) 4. With this technology, slowly but surely the maximum lower limit for external factors such as size and weight is reached. The candidate for the CubeSat market weighs just 250 g. Nevertheless, it will be possible to maintain downlink data rates of about 100 Mbit / sec over a distance of 1,500 km. It has currently achieved TRL 5 status, first launches are planned for Q2/2018. Not only in space, but also on ground Tesat-Spacecom has with their Optical Ground Stations (6) 6 the technology and expertise of the backend for all common wavelengths 1064 nm and 1550 nm which have been in use for a long time on Tenerife, Spain.

10 The Parts Agency is a world-leading service provider in the field of EEE parts and can proudly call itself a Value-Add Supplier. This title recently was awarded by Rockwell Collins for the 2 nd time in a row, to draw attention to the special performance of Tesat-Spacecom for end-to-end supply management and engineering service of high-quality EEE parts. EEE Parts Value-Add Supplier The Tesat-Spacecom Parts Agency As a brand in Hi-rel EEE parts services for space equipment since 1972, it is a personal goal to build up strong and long-term relationships to meet the needs of all the customers. Today s space industry needs to step up its efforts to industrialize its production processes to reduce costs and lead-times. This includes the procurement and engineering of components and EEE parts as an essential element. Supply bottlenecks, quality problems as well as the general dependency on component availability are a major challenge on the way to efficient and cost-effective production of space equipment. The Tesat-Spacecom Parts Agency and EEE Centre offers centralized, volume-based procurement, efficient EEE parts engineering and flexible storage approaches to massively reduce both parts costs and project risk. To adapt to market fluctuations, Tesat-Spacecom is prepared to offer its customers storage and warehousing options. This reduces lead times and allows for justin-time delivery. Customers also benefit from Tesat-Spacecom s large Hi-rel EEE parts stock that often allows managing unexpected part shortages. Just as important is the continuous quality assurance of the supply chain responsibility. A large toolbox for preventive measures and proactive supplier management is operative since more than 10 years. By this, Tesat-Spacecom drastically reduces quality risks in EEE parts procurement and engineering. In all phases of service projects, customers benefit from the outstanding experience as a manufacturer of space equipment and PCBs. Tesat-Spacecom s EEE parts engineers are trained in materials and processes, manufacturability, assembly and testing and all related issues. The Engineering Force bundles the entire know-how that is required and can carry out complete fault tests, failure and construction analysis and various other investigations on site. By this, not only expert evaluations but also recognize challenges and opportunities on the market at an early stage can be carried out. The Tesat-Spacecom Parts Agency only works with experienced project managers with a long-term-expertise in space programs, acting as focal project point. This simplifies the interfacing and procurement communication as well as all related processes. A key element of the service activities is to provide transparency to the customers. Real time visibility is granted by the Tesat-Spacecom internet reporting suite. The EEE parts status, reports, specifications and numerous other documents are available on a secure platform with modern web browser access. From purchasing to post-delivery, the Tesat-Spacecom Parts Agency is a strong partner for its customer base. The complete EEE parts value chain is taken care of. Customers can focus on their core business, the manufacturing of space equipment. The Tesat-Spacecom Parts Agency takes care of all EEE parts needs ready-to-use for deliver kitted parts packages for any space application.

Milestone reached: New generation TT&C successfully qualified A further milestone has been achieved: the qualification tests of Tesat- Spacecom s new generation

The new generation in Ku-Band is characterized by high flexibility in its frequency ranges, data rates and its transmission modes.

sensitivity is close to theoretical limits.

range of 500 MHz and an uplink frequency range of 700 MHz is possible.

uplink: Standard FM and PM demodulators Dual mode operation in downlink: Standard BSPK/PM and QPSK High data rate mode of Transmitter (up to 20 Mbps) FPGA based

new generation modulators has been verified on engineering model level.

The full digital design for modulation, coding and linearization offers adjustable data rates of up to 1.2 Gbit / sec in X-Band and 2.0 Gbit / sec in Ka-Band.

11 Milestone reached: New generation TT&C successfully qualified A further milestone has been achieved: the qualification tests of Tesat- Spacecom s new generation of Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) transmitters and receivers have been successful and have achieved excellent performance data. The new generation in Ku-Band is characterized by high flexibility in its frequency ranges, data rates and its transmission modes. At the same time, the new transmitters and receivers are suitable for standard TT&Cs as well as for hosted payload applications, and also in the area of future spread spectrum applications. The advantages of the new technology are characterized by excellent performance characteristics for transmission and reception of data, while the receive sensitivity is close to theoretical limits. Furthermore, the in orbit frequency agility of receiver and transmitter has to be emphasized, as there are no forbidden frequencies, whereby a downlink frequency range of 500 MHz and an uplink frequency range of 700 MHz is possible. The most important thing is the flexibility of the new TT&C transmitters and receivers within their operating modes and data rates: Dual mode operation in uplink: Standard FM and PM demodulators Dual mode operation in downlink: Standard BSPK/PM and QPSK High data rate mode of Transmitter (up to 20 Mbps) FPGA based design allows project specific adaptations if needed New development of Gigabit Modulators SHORT NEWS TT&C & Gigabit Modulator The concept for Tesat-Spacecom s new generation modulators has been verified on engineering model level. This new Gigabit Modulator is named TeTra as its application is for Telemetry Transmission. The full digital design for modulation, coding and linearization offers adjustable data rates of up to 1.2 Gbit / sec in X-Band and 2.0 Gbit / sec in Ka-Band. Furthermore it provides the opportunity of a flexible selection of modulation and coding schemes (QPSK up to 64-APSK combined with SCCC coding according to CCSDS standards, called Variable / Flexible Modulation and Coding = VCM / ACM). A built-in linearizer with pre-distortion is optimized for operation with both, TWTAs and SSPAs. This concept is a world novelty as it allows in-orbit flexibility for adaption to link conditions. Additionally, it allows in-orbit switchable carrier frequency in both, X-Band and Ka-Band. The development of the new Gigabit Modulator is part of the ESA development program GSTP and has successfully finalized its engineering model tests. Flight qualification is expected to be finalized until mid 2018.

Short news on EDRS Tesat-Spacecom s hybrid relay payload (RF / optical) EDRS-A has successfully accomplished its in orbit tests and is now operational for service.

12 Short news on EDRS Tesat-Spacecom s hybrid relay payload (RF / optical) EDRS-A has successfully accomplished its in orbit tests and is now operational for service. Manufacturing on EDRS-C payload is completed and delivered to OHB. System tests are planned to start soon. CONTACT: Your contacts: Dr. Klaus Michel phone: mail: Klaus.Michel@tesat.de Norbert Dörflinger (Subsystems, LCT) phone: mail: Norbert.Doerflinger@tesat.de Jean-Marc Mari (Amplifier & Microwave Products) phone: mail: Jean-Marc.Mari@tesat.de SHORT NEWS EDRS-A & EDRS-C EDRS-C Copyright ESA Your contacts in the US: Peter Lust (Equipment) phone: Skip Schulze (LCT) phone:

13 Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG Gerberstraße Backnang Germany Copyright Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG 2017 Produced in Germany, February 2017 Photos ESA, OHB, ATG Medialab & Tesat-Spacecom 2017 All Rights Reserved.

newer representatives like Bluetooth (25 Mbit / sec.), WiFi (54 Mbit / sec.) or LTE (150 Mbit / sec.) raise the bar considerably

newer representatives like Bluetooth (25 Mbit / sec.), WiFi (54 Mbit / sec.) or LTE (150 Mbit / sec.) raise the bar considerably 1983 is a special year for telecommunication via lasers. This year, the foundation stone for the development of a laser terminal in Germany was laid. Since then, much has happened, the world has changed