The small geostationary satellite initiative is aimed at the development of a general purpose small geostationary satellite, which will enable European players to compete effectively in this segment of the commercial GEO telecom market. The program will subsequently involve the development, manufacturing and launch of a first satellite mission to provide flight experience and an in-orbit demonstration of both the advanced payload and the platform.
HISPASAT is prime contractor for the AG1 mission and will subcontract the REDSAT advanced communication payload to Thales Alenia Space España, which will lead this project. The REDSAT payload features two major innovations: a broadband multimedia system and an advanced antenna system.
The broadband multimedia DVB system is an end-to-end advanced communication system based on an Onboard Regenerative Processor (OBP) and providing DVB-RCS/DVB-S2 capabilities. Thales Alenia Space España will define, develop and produce the whole system, including both space and ground subassemblies.
The advanced antenna system will allow the small GEO mission to meet its performance specifications for both the transparent and regenerative repeaters in the Ku and Ka frequency bands. EADS CASA Espacio will develop and produce the entire antenna system, including space and ground subassemblies. It comprises the reflector antennas to support the mission in Ku and Ka frequency bands, and a highly innovative active Direct radiating Receiving Antenna (DRA) in Ku band.
The REDSAT Regenerative System is fully compliant with two European standards: DVB-RCS and the recently issued DVB-S2. The system and payload designs draw on the broad experience of Thales Alenia Space España.
Angel Post, CEO of Thales Alenia Space España, said: “We are very proud to have been selected, which further strengthens the company’s leadership in advanced communication payloads.” He also emphasized that this contribution reinforces the technological positioning of the Spanish subsidiary as traditional ESA partner for the development of Advanced Telecom Repeaters & Systems.