Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna
Technical specifications
The next generation of S-Band TT&C
Dual-polarization — LHCP and RHCP simultaneously
Unlike the standard S-Band TT&C Antenna, the Compact version features two dedicated SMA connectors — one for LHCP and one for RHCP — enabling both polarisations to be used simultaneously. This opens up more flexible ground station compatibility, double data-rate with respect to single polarized communications, and full-duplex performance without relying on an add-on diplexer.
PEEK radome for thermal and radiation protection
The Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is protected by a PEEK radome coated with SG121FD white paint on flight models, providing high endurance to radiation and electrostatic discharges, as well as enhanced thermal protection of internal parts. The radome is radiotransparent and ensures consistent RF performance across the full mission lifetime.
Smaller, lighter, better gain at high elevation
At 70.9 × 70.9 mm and 30.33 mm total height, the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna features a low form factor with a minimal footprint impact on satellite platforms. Its optimised design delivers improved gain at high elevation angles (> 4.2 dBi at ±30°, > 0.5 dBi at ±60°) and wider bandwidth (> 310 MHz), enabling more data to be collected during every ground station pass.
Our next-generation Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna
The Anywaves Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is the optimised evolution of our flagship S-Band TT&C Antenna. Operating from 1.98 to 2.29 GHz across a bandwidth of more than 310 MHz, it delivers improved gain at high elevation angles and a more compact form factor — all while maintaining the same full duplex Tx/Rx capability and hemispherical beam coverage that mission engineers rely on for reliable TT&C links.
Its key advancement over the previous generation is dual-circular polarization: LHCP and RHCP are available simultaneously on two dedicated SMA connectors, enabling polarisation diversity without additional hardware. Protected by a PEEK radome, Test Hat compatible, and supplied with full acceptance testing on flight models, this antenna is ready to equip your next satellite platform.
Complete EIDP
At the delivery of your antennas, you will receive a complete EIDP (End Item Data Package) including: RF acceptance test reports, ICD (Interface Control Document), Mechanical envelope, User Manual, and Certificate of conformity.
In-Depth Engineering Support
During the full length of your antennas project, you’ll benefit from an in-depth and tailored support from our experienced engineers. They’ll answer all of your questions and ensure that our antennas meet your missions’ needs.
Further Testing Available On Demand
If needed, we can perform additional on-demand tests on your antennas to guarantee their performance in the specific environment and conditions of your spacecraft.
Specific Requests Analysis With Experts
In the case you need additional information and performance results, our experts can conduct complementary analysis based on your requirements (mechanical, thermal, radio-frequency performances on platform etc.).
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More data. Every pass. From a smaller antenna.
Tell us about your platform and mission profile. Our engineers will help you get the most out of your TT&C link with the Compact S-Band antenna.
Questions & Answers
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What is the difference between the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna and the standard S-Band TT&C Antenna?
The Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is the next-generation evolution of the Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna, with several key improvements. It features a smaller footprint (70.9 × 70.9 mm vs 84.3 × 84.3 mm), offers a wider bandwidth (> 310 MHz vs > 265 MHz), and delivers improved gain at high elevation angles. Most significantly, it adds dual-circular polarization capability: both LHCP and RHCP are available simultaneously via two dedicated SMA connectors, compared to the single-polarization port of the standard model.
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What does dual-polarization mean and why is it useful for TT&C?
Dual-polarization means the antenna can transmit and receive in both Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) simultaneously, through two separate SMA connectors. For TT&C applications, this enables doubling the communication data-rate by relying on dual-polarized links. It also simplifies ground station compatibility.
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Is the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna backward-compatible with the standard S-Band Test Hat?
Yes. The Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is compatible with the Anywaves Test Hat for S-Band TT&C Antennas, allowing RF functional testing while the antenna is already integrated on the spacecraft. This is the same Test Hat used with the standard S-Band TT&C Antenna, making it easy to maintain consistent test processes across both antenna generations.
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What is the frequency coverage of the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna?
The Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna covers 1.98 GHz to 2.29 GHz, with a bandwidth greater than 310 MHz. This covers the standard ITU allocations for satellite TT&C in the S-Band, including the 2.025–2.29 GHz downlink and 2.025–2.11 GHz uplink bands, as well as the lower 1.98–2.025 GHz portion used by some mission profiles. The wider bandwidth compared to the standard S-Band model provides more frequency planning flexibility and margin.
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What is the TRL of the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna, and what does it mean for procurement?
The Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is at TRL 8, meaning it has successfully passed the full qualification test campaign — including RF, mechanical and thermal acceptance tests — and is ready to be integrated into flight missions. TRL 8 is considered flight-ready for most programmes. The product has not yet accumulated the extensive in-orbit heritage of the standard S-Band TT&C Antenna (TRL 9), but its design is directly derived from the proven predecessor, sharing the same manufacturing processes, test protocols and radome technology.
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Can I use the Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna in single-polarization mode?
Yes. Although the antenna has two SMA connectors for LHCP and RHCP, it can be used in single-polarization mode by connecting only one port and terminating the other with an RF load. The antenna is supplied with an RF load included in the mass specification. This makes it fully backward-compatible with single-polarization system architectures.
Compact S-Band TT&C antenna: dual-polarization for next-generation CubeSat missions
The Anywaves Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna is an ultra-compact, TRL 8 antenna for satellite telemetry, tracking and command in the S-Band frequency range of 1.98 to 2.29 GHz (bandwidth > 310 MHz). It is the optimised evolution of the Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna, featuring simultaneous dual-circular polarization (LHCP and RHCP) on two dedicated SMA female connectors — enabling polarisation diversity and simplified ground station compatibility without additional hardware.
At 70.9 × 70.9 × 30.3 mm and less than 106 g, it fits within a 1U CubeSat surface with an external protruding height of only 3.62 mm. It delivers a realized gain above 5.4 dBi at boresight and above 0.5 dBi at ±60°, with a Half Power Beam Width greater than 88°. The PEEK radome (SG121FD white paint on flight models) provides enhanced thermal protection, as well as proven endurance with respect to radiation and ESD. Acceptance testing (RF, mechanical and thermal) is included on flight models. Compatible with the Anywaves Test Hat for S-Band TT&C Antennas. ITAR Free. 20 W power handling.
