S-Band Launcher Antenna
Technical specifications
> 2.0 dBi @ ±30°
> −4.0 dBi @ ±60°
Flat mechanical bracket: 166g
Thermal shield: 60 g
Built for the harshest moments of the mission
Thermal shield engineered for launch conditions
Launch is the most thermally and mechanically demanding phase of any space mission. The S-Band Launcher Antenna is protected by a high-quality thermal shield specifically engineered to withstand the intense heat flux encountered during liftoff and ascent — ensuring uninterrupted TT&C connectivity from the first second of launch through orbit insertion.
Derived from a TRL 9, flight-proven design
The S-Band Launcher Antenna is directly derived from the Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna, which has been in orbit since 2019 across dozens of missions. This heritage foundation — combined with optimisations for launcher-specific mechanical and thermal constraints — significantly reduces integration risk for programme managers, while delivering a performance level already proven in operational space conditions.
High gain in a compact launcher-compatible form factor
At 145 × 145 × 30 mm, the S-Band Launcher Antenna delivers a realized gain exceeding 6.0 dBi at boresight and 2.0 dBi at ±30°, within a footprint compatible with space-constrained launcher body designs. Operating across 2.025–2.29 GHz in LHCP or RHCP, it provides reliable full duplex TT&C throughout all flight phases, from ground checkout to orbit injection.
The S-Band TT&C antenna built for launchers
The Anywaves S-Band Launcher Antenna brings the reliability of our flagship S-Band TT&C Antenna to launch vehicle applications. Operating across 2.025–2.29 GHz in full duplex, it provides the stable TT&C link required throughout all phases of a launch mission — from ground checkout on the pad to separation and orbit insertion. Its design is directly derived from a TRL 9 antenna with in-orbit heritage since 2019.
Rated TRL 8, the S-Band Launcher Antenna is protected by a thermal shield engineered to withstand the extreme thermal environment of liftoff and ascent. At 145 × 145 × 30 mm, it fits within space-constrained launcher body designs while delivering a gain exceeding 6.0 dBi at boresight. Available in LHCP or RHCP, ITAR Free, and supplied with full acceptance testing on flight models.
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, 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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From the launchpad to orbit. Without missing a signal.
Tell us about your launcher platform and mission profile. Our engineers will help you integrate the right S-Band TT&C antenna configuration for your flight environment.
Questions & Answers
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What makes a launcher antenna different from a satellite TT&C antenna?
A launcher antenna faces a fundamentally different environment from a satellite antenna. During liftoff and ascent, it must withstand intense mechanical vibrations, acoustic loads and extreme heat flux — conditions far more severe than those experienced in orbit. The antenna must also maintain a reliable TT&C link throughout all flight phases: ground checkout, liftoff, max-Q, stage separation and orbit insertion. The Anywaves S-Band Launcher Antenna is specifically designed for these constraints, with a dedicated thermal shield and a mechanical structure optimised for the launcher environment.
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What frequency band does the S-Band Launcher Antenna cover, and why S-Band for launchers?
The S-Band Launcher Antenna operates from 2.025 to 2.29 GHz, covering the standard S-Band TT&C allocations used by the majority of launch range ground stations worldwide. S-Band is the dominant choice for launch vehicle TT&C because it offers a good balance between link budget performance, antenna size and atmospheric propagation, and is natively supported by range safety networks in most launch sites across Europe, North America and Asia.
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Is the S-Band Launcher Antenna derived from an existing flight-proven design?
Yes. The S-Band Launcher Antenna is directly derived from the Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna, which has been in orbit since 2019 across dozens of small satellite missions and carries a TRL 9 qualification. The launcher variant adapts this proven design to the specific mechanical and thermal requirements of launch vehicles, reaching TRL 8. This heritage significantly reduces development risk and shortens the qualification path compared to a clean-sheet antenna design.
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Can the S-Band Launcher Antenna be used on reusable launch vehicles?
Yes. The antenna’s design is compatible with the thermal and mechanical demands of reusable launchers, which face repeated exposure to the full launch environment. Anywaves’ S-Band Launcher Antenna has been selected for the Callisto reusable launcher demonstrator, a joint programme by CNES, JAXA and DLR. This reference demonstrates the antenna’s suitability for next-generation reusable launch vehicle programmes.
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What acceptance tests are performed on the S-Band Launcher Antenna?
Flight models of the S-Band Launcher Antenna undergo full acceptance testing including RF performance characterisation, mechanical testing (Z-axis random vibration) and thermal cycling. These tests are included with every flight model delivery, along with a complete EIDP (End Item Data Package) covering acceptance test reports, ICD, mechanical envelope, user manual and certificate of conformity.
S-Band launcher antenna: TT&C for the most demanding flight environment
The Anywaves S-Band Launcher Antenna is a compact, TRL 8 antenna for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) on launch vehicles. Operating from 2.025 to 2.29 GHz in full duplex, it delivers a realized gain exceeding 6.0 dBi at boresight within a 145 × 145 × 30 mm form factor compatible with space-constrained launcher designs. Available in LHCP or RHCP, it is protected by a high-quality thermal shield engineered to withstand the intense thermal and mechanical loads of liftoff and ascent.
Directly derived from the Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna — a TRL 9 antenna in orbit since 2019 across dozens of missions — the S-Band Launcher Antenna benefits from a proven design heritage while being optimised for launcher-specific requirements. Acceptance testing (RF, mechanical and thermal) is included on all flight models, along with a complete EIDP. ITAR Free. Suitable for both expendable and reusable launch vehicles.
