Celestia TTI next generation UHF band GaN SSPAs play pivotal role in SpainSat NG I launch

The Celestia TTI engineering team, which provides advanced radiofrequency, antenna and ground stations solutions for satcoms, has spent the last five years developing the innovative payload UHF band amplifiers which will enable the satellite to make contact with the earth. Their challenge was to create amplifiers capable of transmitting signals in geostationary orbit with a range of 36,000 kilometres whilst operating in extremely hostile environments.

The amplifiers use power efficient GaN (gallium nitride technology) to provide optimal performance in a space setting, delivering 150 W with a high DC to RF conversion efficiency. Compact in design, they are highly robust; each amplifier underwent rigorous vibration, electromagnetic and vacuum-thermal testing to guarantee their reliability throughout the satellite's useful life, estimated to be 15 years.

SpainSat NG I is the first of two, twin satellites in the SpainSat NG programme, a private-public partnership led by Hisdesat in collaboration with a number of specialist Spanish companies, organisations and universities undertaking very advanced technical work.