In 2020, the European Space Agency (ESA) and TESAT launched a development program to improve the functionalities and design of Microwave Power Modules (MPMs) — this program laid the foundation for the final design and qualification process for the Quad-MPM.
Airbus’ OneSat has already been a game changer in a transforming market. With the integration of TESAT’s Quad-MPM, flexibility in power and frequency improves even further and takes OneSat to the next level. Airbus OneSat can be fully reconfigured on-orbit, capable of adjusting the coverage area, capacity and frequency “on the fly” to meet evolving mission scenarios. It builds on the heritage of Airbus’ ultra-reliable Eurostar geostationary telecommunications satellites and the company’s constellation expertise with OneWeb.
Development of the OneSat program is supported by ESA, as well as the French Space Agency (CNES), the UK Space Agency, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Designed for the new generation of software-defined satellites, the new Quad-MPM is a high frequency power amplifier for Ku-band (10.7-12.75GHz) and Ka-band (17.7-21.2GHz) satellite downlinks. It consists of four amplifier chains, allowing operators to control four frequency channels simultaneously and comes in a mass-optimized package with Traveling-Wave-Tubes (TWT) and an Electronic Power Conditioner (EPC).
Its high reliability, increased flexibility and consequent performance in output power, leads to high interest and increasing demand for Quad-MPMs. Therefore, “TESAT is expanding its production capacity and extending its comprehensive RF and active product portfolio”, said Björn Klingenberg, Product Manager for Active and Passive Products, TESAT.