Essential devices within the data transmission process were supplied by TESAT.

Backnang, 23.02.2021: Today for the first time in history, sound signals from Mars were received on Earth and gave an idea on how the Red Planet sounds like. This, as well as having the opportunity to look at photos of Mars’ surface, are only possible through technology made by TESAT in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

The responsible technology are so called travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) that, simply put, amplify an outgoing radio frequency signal to make it receivable in far distances. Without these devices, signals from far away spacecraft would not be powerful enough to reach Earth.

In context of the current Mars mission, several spacecraft make use of this specific TESAT technology. Just a few days ago, right before the touchdown of Mars rover Perseverance, a TWTA on the Sky Crane was responsible to send the essential telemetry data to confirm the safe and soft lowering.

“TESAT technology helps connecting people and to overcome borders all over the world – and beyond! Our products suspend the boundaries of the final frontier and help to make the unknown concrete. As TESAT we are proud to be part in so important missions!”

Dr. Marc Steckling, CEO, TESAT

As Perseverance itself is not powerful enough to send data directly to Earth, it uses both current Mars orbiters as relay stations: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), whose own purpose is the exploration and investigation of the planet Mars, and MAVEN, which investigates Mars’ atmosphere. Both orbiter have several amplifying devices from TESAT on board to send their collected data to Earth – now including data from Perseverance.

Media contact
Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG
Gerberstraße 49
D-71522 Backnang

Nina Backes
Communications, Exhibitions & Fairs
+49 7191 930 - 1126
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