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The development of a completely novel type of telecommunications satellite has been approved. To be called Quantum and built in the UK, the 3.5-tonne spacecraft will break new ground by being totally reconfigurable in orbit.
Normally, the major mission parameters on satellites - such as their ground coverage pattern and their operating frequencies - are fixed before launch.
Quantum is a European Space Agency telecoms project. However, its development is actually a partnership with private industry, involving Paris-based satellite operator Eutelsat and the manufacturer Airbus Defence and Space. The parties signed a contract on Thursday at the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire.
The ultra-flexible payload of Quantum will be prepared by Airbus at its Portsmouth factory, and then integrated into the spacecraft bus, or chassis, at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in Guildford. SSTL is an Airbus subsidiary. Quantum should be delivered ready for launch in 2018.
The satellite will have the flexibility to take on new roles at any time - in coverage, in frequency band, and power use. If it needs to be moved, perhaps to fill in behind another satellite that has failed in orbit, it will simply mimic the profile of the lost platform. Part of this capability comes from the use of advanced, flat, phased-array antennas that can electronically change their shape. This is different from the curved, pre-shaped mechanical antennas incorporated into traditional satellites.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33460441
Original Submission
(Score: 2) by frojack on Friday July 10 2015, @12:07AM
Part of this capability comes from the use of advanced, flat, phased-array antennas that can electronically change their shape.
Takes more than an adjustable antenna shape. This also speaks to the great strides in software programmable radios.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday July 10 2015, @04:00AM
You should look up phased-array antennas. They are software defined. The waveform is changed using well-timed staggered waves. The latest wifi standards allow for the same in compatible equipment.
(Score: 2) by frojack on Friday July 10 2015, @05:33AM
You should look up phased-array antennas. They are software defined. The waveform is changed using well-timed staggered waves. The latest wifi standards allow for the same in compatible equipment.
You should look into what it takes to shift a transmitter from the L-band into the Ku-band, or Ka-band frequencies. Hint: You can't do it with antennas.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday July 10 2015, @05:36PM
RHBD FPGA [xilinx.com] is a wonderful thing