N3SS U-Space Mission Satellite Anywaves Antennas
France Security and Defense

N3SS Mission: Advanced RF Spectrum Monitoring in Space

U-Space is a French aerospace company specializing in the design and development of next-generation modular nanosatellites. Based in Toulouse, U-Space provides end-to-end satellite solutions, from feasibility studies to operational deployment, with a strong focus on innovation and performance.

N3SS Mission

The N3SS mission (Nanosat 3U for Spectrum Surveillance) is a pioneering initiative by U-Space, aimed at enhancing the monitoring and management of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum from space. Launched in October 2023, this CubeSat-based demonstrator is specifically designed to detect and localize sources of RF interferences. The mission seeks to address the growing need for secure and interference-free satellite communication systems. Positioned in a 564 km low Earth orbit, N3SS serves as a critical step in safeguarding RF-dependent infrastructures, contributing to global communication resilience and security.

Client's Needs

For the N3SS mission (3U Nanosatellite for Spectrum Surveillance), U-Space aimed to create a technological demonstrator capable of detecting and locating interferences in civilian communication systems, especially those relying on satellite navigation like GPS. The satellite needed to operate in the L (1–2 GHz) and S (2–4 GHz) bands, which are critical for applications such as LTE networks, radar systems, and military communications. The mission demanded compact, high-performance antennas capable of functioning in the challenging conditions of space while meeting the size and weight constraints of nanosatellites.

Why Anywaves

U-Space selected Anywaves due to its recognized expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance miniaturized antennas for nanosatellites. Anywaves’ antennas, designed to withstand the harsh environment of space, met the mission’s requirements for compactness and efficiency. Additionally, Anywaves’ ability to provide customized solutions allowed seamless integration of the antennas into the N3SS 3U CubeSat platform.

The N3SS mission (Nanosat 3U for Spectrum Surveillance) is a pioneering initiative by U-Space, aimed at enhancing the monitoring and management of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum from space. Launched in October 2023, this CubeSat-based demonstrator is specifically designed to detect and localize sources of RF interferences. The mission seeks to address the growing need for secure and interference-free satellite communication systems. Positioned in a 564 km low Earth orbit, N3SS serves as a critical step in safeguarding RF-dependent infrastructures, contributing to global communication resilience and security.

For the N3SS mission (3U Nanosatellite for Spectrum Surveillance), U-Space aimed to create a technological demonstrator capable of detecting and locating interferences in civilian communication systems, especially those relying on satellite navigation like GPS. The satellite needed to operate in the L (1–2 GHz) and S (2–4 GHz) bands, which are critical for applications such as LTE networks, radar systems, and military communications. The mission demanded compact, high-performance antennas capable of functioning in the challenging conditions of space while meeting the size and weight constraints of nanosatellites.

U-Space selected Anywaves due to its recognized expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance miniaturized antennas for nanosatellites. Anywaves’ antennas, designed to withstand the harsh environment of space, met the mission’s requirements for compactness and efficiency. Additionally, Anywaves’ ability to provide customized solutions allowed seamless integration of the antennas into the N3SS 3U CubeSat platform.

Product Chosen

S Band TTC Antenna
S-Band TT&C Antenna

Anywaves S-Band antenna is our flagship S-Band TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking and Control) antenna with a strong flight heritage and a TRL 9.

Perfectly suited to LEO platforms, Anywaves S-Band TT&C Antenna operates both in transmission for telemetry and in reception for telecommand.

Its wide beam coverage enables the best satellite availability for TT&C link. In pair work, Anywaves S-band TT&C antenna provides an omni-directional coverage to enhance the satellite availability.

  • CNESAdvance & CNES SME Labels
  • Full Duplex Telemetry & Telecommand
  • Radome protection against harsh environment
  • Acceptance Tests included
  • Test cap compatible
  • ITAR Free

Results

Since its launch on October 7, 2023, the N3SS satellite has successfully demonstrated its ability to detect and locate RF interference sources in the L and S bands. Anywaves’ antennas played a crucial role in ensuring stable and efficient communication, significantly contributing to the mission’s overall success.

This project highlights the value of innovative and reliable antenna solutions for complex nanosatellite missions.

Oct 7, 2023

Launch date

5 kg

Satellite weight

564 km

Orbital altitude

L/S bands

Frequency bands monitored

Contact
us

If you have any question, we would be happy to help you out.