Products

Laser Products

TESAT can offer appropriate Laser Terminals for a wide range of applications. In the case of the SpaceDataHighway, this is the LCT135, which can transmit up to 1.8 Gbps over distances of up to 80,000 kilometers, safely, quickly and completely fail-safe. Through this geostationary backbone, TESAT technology enables worldwide data transmission in near real-time.

For applications in Low-Earth Orbits (LEO) there is the SmartLCT, which can be deployed on smaller, lighter satellites with huge weight and size savings. Data transmission over distances of up to 45,000 kilometers while maintaining the high data rate of up to 1.8 Gbps, the SmartLCT weighs just about 30 kilograms.

For even smaller satellites, TESAT's Laser Portfolio offers the TOSIRIS and CubeLCT, which can transmit Direct-to-Earth data at speeds of 10 Gbps (TOSIRIS) or 100 Mbps (CubeLCT). Particularly impressive is the associated reduction in weight. The already small representative TOSIRIS comes to only 8 kilograms while the CubeLCT with an edge length of just 10 centimeters weighs only 360 grams.

The groundbreaking feature is that TESAT LCTs are already helping to increase the satellite's reception capacity by up to 50%, as more data can be transmitted in less time. This makes it possible to re-record the entire global land mass (150 million km²) in just 5 days, while making it available in less than 15 minutes.

Insights with Matthias Motzigemba

Head of Sales Laser Comms
 

Our colleague Matthias Motzigemba recorded a part to the current #podcast from "Auf Distanz" at #IAC2022 talking about our PIXL-1 and our CubeLCT. His talk starts at about min 18:11.

,000
Revenues in laser products
+
Optical Satellite Links
,9 %
Success rate in performing ISLs
+
Optical terminals in orbit
  • SCOT80

    The SCOT80 from TESAT is up for another, new challenge on global satellite market: LEO constellations. This addresses the demand of evolving digital infrastructure and increasing data requirements. Facing the hottest developments in the “constellation race”, the development of the SCOT80 was driven by the idea to revolutionize communication technology and to excel the prevailing.

    Key parameters

    • Data rate: 10 Gbps bidirectional
    • Range: 8,000 km
    • Volume: 2 subunits
    • Power consumption: 60-80 W
    • Mass: 11.9 kg per optical channel

  • SCOT20

    The SCOT20 answers the rising demand for low latency and high bandwidth for small spacecraft in a world of increasing data and decreasing frequency band disposability. It is the product of a longterm research cooperation between the Institute of Communications and Navigation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR-IKN) and TESAT, which has now come to full bloom bearing a ready-to-launch LCT for Small and especially for CubeSatellites.

    Key parameters

    • Data rate: 100 Mbps
    • Range: LEO to LEO, Direct-to-Earth (DTE)
    • Volume: 9 x 9.5 x 3.5 cm³ (~0.3U)
    • Power consumption: 8 W
    • Mass: 1.6 kg

  • SCOT135

    The SCOT135 is your Scalable Optical Communication Terminal (SCOT) for Multi-Orbit connectivity in MEO and GEO applications. It's compliant to the SDA OCT Standard and ready for additional applications like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT). Also available with an external optical amplifier with up to 40 W.

    Key parameters

    • Data rate: 2.5 - 100 Gbps
    • Range: 80,000 km
    • Volume (Optical Head): 40 x 68 x 40 cm³
    • Power consumption: 75 - 340 W, dep. on config.
    • Mass: 28 kg

  • Smart LCT

    The SmartLCT, is following big footprints and has its area of application on smaller and more agile satellites in lower orbits – first designated launch will be later this year. Beyond, it is already scheduled for operation on European Commissions’ Copernicus Next Generation mission. Having its focus on Earth observation mission, the SmartLCT with its adjustable building blocks is also suitable for inter-satellite links on satellite navigation missions.

    Key parameters

    • Data rate: 1.8 Gpbs LEO to GEO
    • Range: 45,000 km
    • Volume: 4 subunits: < 35 x 35 x 20 cm³ per subunit
    • Power consumption: 130 W
    • Mass: 30 kg

  • LCT 135

    The LCT135 is still the undisputed top dog and working horse in cases of space-based laser communication. 9 terminals have been put to work in orbit yet and performing flawlessly for by now up to 12 years, executing more than 1,000 laser links per month. While aging, the 135 is far from getting old and achieved in 2019 with the launch of EDRS-C another great milestone.

    Key parameters

    • Data rate: 1.8 Gbps
    • Range: 80,000 km
    • Volume: 60 x 60 x 70 cm³
    • Power consumption: max. 150 W
    • Mass: 53 kg

    • Gigabit Modulator

      The Gigabit Modulator is ideally suited for advanced data downlink subsystems in X-Band and Ka-Band employed onboard Earth Observation Satellites and Scientific Missions.

      Key parameters

      • Output symbol rate: 10 ... 500 MBaud
      • Carrier frequency range: Dual band design:
        • X-Band: 8.025 ... 8.4 GHz
        • Ka-Band: 25.5 ... 27 GHz
      • Power consumption: 30 W
      • Mass: 2.5 Kg

    • Integrated Data Downlink Transmitter

      Data Downlink Subsystems in X-Band have a considerable heritage in numerous Earth Observation programs conducted for more than 20 years. Based on this long experience, Tesat is developing an integrated Downlink Transmitter solution.

      Key parameters

      • Frequency band: X-Band 8,025-8,400 MHz
      • Power Amplifier: 20 W SSPA (GaN based)
      • Modulation: QPSK, 8PSK, 16-APSK, 32-APSK, 64-APSK
      • Coding: SCCC (CCSDS 131.2.B.1)
      • Data rate: up to 1,300 Mbps (symbol rate of up to 250 Mbps)
      • Mass: 2.5 kg

    • TT&C Transponder

      The TESAT approach is to be able to offer a family of TT&C transponders for different application scenarios. Further to the available S-Band transponder, a Ku-Band transponder has been qualified. Within the developments further operational modes will be implemented, which are contained within the TT&C standards, allowing systems to expand the functionality of the TT&C links. A Ka-Band Demonstrator incl. Spread Spectrum technology has been validated, whilst our universal S-Band TT&C Transponder has a flight heritage of up to 50 units and is suited for all kind of missions.

      Active Products

      • HDI TR Module

        The TR modules are optimized for broadband efficiency between in- and output (power added efficiency) and consist of an Active RF magazine and a Housing & RF transition. This concept results in a maximized reduction in space, weight and time. For cost optimization, the Magazine is produced on a mass-customization approach man-less hybrid assembly line that is capable of a maximum output of over 100,000 units per year. The Housing for the standard interfaced Magazine is manufactured on TESAT’s well-established passive manufacturing line.

        Key Facts

        • Frequency band: Ku- / Ka- Band
        • Output power: up to 35 W
        • Power added efficiency: >30 %

      • Solid State Power Amplifier

        Based on 30 years experience, TESAT has designed and manufactured several hundreds of SSPAs for space applications. With the new generation, we are now able to offer up to 120 W SSPA in L- and S-Band and up to 60 W in C-Band. To serve market needs and high volume production of SSPAs, we have harmonized our capabilities between MPM and SSPA manufacturing lines. New aims in this segment are higher integrated solutions and to develop SSPAs for Ku-/Ka-Band.

        Over the last years, we have invested into the new GaN-Technology to develop high efficiency and reliable SSPA in the lower frequency bands (L-, S-, C-, X-Band). In the future, we will extend our portfolio with Ku- and Ka-Band. In terms of functionality and complexity TESAT can deliver either high power hybrids usable in active antennas or SSPAs as equipment with a DC/DC converter and extended functionality like channel amplification etc.

      • Microwave Power Module

        The Microwave Power Module (MPM) is our standard amplifier. This “all-in-one” comprising of the TWT, the EPC and the Linearized Channel Amplifier (LCAMP) provides significant mass and footprint savings whilst additional cost and mass savings can be found within the use of Dual-MPM versions.

        This integrated solution gives many advantages in terms of mass, mounting area and simplification in payload integration. In addition we can achieve better EMC characteristics and centralized connections to the EPC for DC and all TC/TM functions of the MPM. MPMs exist as single as well as dual units. Dual units use one EPC to supply two independent TWTs. Most MPMs are also available with radiation or conduction cooled TWTs.

        Key parameters Q-Band MPM

        • Frequency band: Q-Band 37.5 GHz - 42.5 GHz
        • Output Power: up to 80 W
        • Power added efficiency: > 60 %

        Passive Products

        • Output Multiplexer

          OMUXes are designed and produced in different technologies to meet customer demands. The classical OMUX technology based on Invar filter is complemented with the upcoming Aluminium technology to provide high power-handling capability in Ku- and Ka-Band. Diplexers are combining output signals of OMUXes to increase the number of channels per antenna. To reduce footprint and integration effort on the Payload, TESAT is providing assemblies with three or more layers. These highly integrated subunits can be configured and designed to customer specifications.

        • Input Multiplexer

          IMUXes feature excellent RF performance and temperature stability. Due to forward-looking stock policy for parts, a good delivery time and a high producibility can be ensured. A proven concept of modularity opens up the benefit of flexibility to provide customer-specific IMUX configurations.

        • Components

          Waveguide Switches are a key component for redundancy and configuration concepts. These switches have a high reliability and excellent RF performance. Sequential and random access actuators for changing switch branching can be provided for Payloads. The product spectrum was increased in continuously responding to market request for TESAT to offer all frequency bands from 3 to 40 GHz.

          Components such as Couplers, Loads or Circulators are designed and manufactured from 3 to 40 GHz. These products have a high producibility and some follow ESA guidelines of manufacturing. For high-power components such as Loads and Circulators, a dedicated test setup is available to ensure a systematic screening process.

          © Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG, 2022
          Contact
          Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG
          Gerberstr. 49
          71522 Backnang
          Germany