FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Anywaves Antennas

Welcome! This guide compiles answers to the most frequently asked questions about our antennas. We understand the importance of detailed information for your space mission, so we’ve covered topics ranging from our antenna models and testing processes to customization options and unique features.

Whether you’re an industry professional or exploring our products for the first time, we’re here to help you understand why Anywaves antennas stand out in the space industry. Dive in and find the answers you need!

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to reach out to us through our contact page.

1. General Information about Anywaves Antennas

What distinguishes an Engineering Model (EM) from a Flight Model (FM)?

Our Engineering Models (EM) and Flight Models (FM) are constructed using similar high-grade materials and manufacturing processes to ensure electrical performance consistency. The key difference lies in their testing and intended use. EM antennas are typically used for testing and validation in a controlled, non-flight environment, serving as representative models for integration and functionality verification. In contrast, FM antennas undergo stringent acceptance tests and are certified for spaceflight. Additionally, FM antennas may include specialized coatings, such as anti-ESD radome paint for S-band TT&C, X-band Payload Telemetry, and GNSS All-band antennas, offering enhanced protection against space conditions.

For a more detailed explanation, you can read our article “What’s the Difference Between QM, EM and FM Antennas?“.

Where are your antennas manufactured?

All Anywaves antennas are designed and manufactured in France with suppliers known for their expertise in space-grade components. This ensures high-quality production, rigorous standards of precision, and exceptional reliability for every antenna we deliver. Most of them are located in or around Toulouse, who is known as “the European Capital of Space“.

Can I order a single antenna, and how quickly can it be delivered?

We accommodate orders of all sizes, whether you require a single Engineering Model (EM) for testing or a large volume of antennas. Delivery times depend on stock availability and project specifications, and we often fulfill orders within a matter of days. Contact us for tailored lead-time information based on your needs.

Is the EIDP included, and what’s included?

Yes, every Anywaves antenna comes with an Engineering Item Data Package (EIDP) to facilitate seamless integration and operational support. The EIDP typically includes:

• Acceptance RF Test Reports
• Interface Control Document (ICD)
• Mechanical Envelope Specifications
• User Manual
• Certificate of Conformity

What materials are used in the construction of Anywaves antennas?

We use space-qualified materials to ensure the reliability and durability of our antennas. For example, our slotted-waveguide antennas feature a full-metal construction that prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) phenomena and provides thermoelastic stability. On our COTS antennas, we also use specialized coatings, such as anti-ESD radome paint, to further enhance durability and environmental protection.

What is the expected lifespan of Anywaves antennas in orbit?

Our antennas are designed to match or exceed the operational lifespan of their host satellites. For example, our COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) antennas used in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) missions are engineered to last a minimum of 8 years in orbit, with rigorous testing to confirm their longevity and durability even under challenging space conditions.

2. Antenna Testing and Qualification

What is the qualification testing process for Anywaves antennas?

Our qualification testing ensures that Anywaves antennas meet the rigorous demands of space missions. The process includes:

• Functional Testing: Validates all electrical specifications.
• Random Vibration Testing: Simulates mechanical vibrations experienced during launch.
• Shock Testing: Recreates the mechanical shocks from launch and separation events.
• Vacuum Thermal Cycling: Assesses performance stability across extreme temperature variations in a vacuum.
• Extended Thermal Cycling: Confirms long-term durability.
• Power Handling Tests (for transmission antennas): Ensures reliable power capacity.
  Each antenna undergoes a meticulous final inspection, verifying its readiness for space deployment. This testing guarantees consistent performance under real mission conditions.

If you need more information regarding our Testing Process, please refer to our dedicated page.

How do you ensure antenna durability in harsh space environments?

Our comprehensive testing protocol simulates harsh space environments to validate the durability and reliability of each antenna. As stated in the previous answer, this includes vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and radiation testing. By replicating extreme conditions, we ensure that our antennas maintain optimal functionality throughout their mission lifespan.

What acceptance tests are performed on flight model antennas?

Flight models undergo essential acceptance tests, including:

• Initial S-Parameter Testing: Verifies electrical specifications.
• Random Vibration Testing: Confirms structural stability during launch.
• Thermal Cycling at Ambient Pressure: Evaluates resilience to temperature fluctuations.
• Final S-Parameter Testing and Visual Inspection: Guarantees product integrity before delivery.

To get full details on each step, please refer to the dedicated page.

Do Anywaves antennas undergo radiation testing?

Yes, our antennas are subjected to radiation testing to simulate the space radiation environment. This ensures they maintain functionality and structural integrity when exposed to high-energy particles.

3. COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) Antennas

GNSS Antennas

How can I choose the right Navigation (GNSS) antenna?

Selecting the right GNSS antenna is essential for accurate navigation. Our GNSS antennas cover all major constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), ensuring reliable signal acquisition and precise positioning. Contact our experts to discuss your requirements, and we’ll guide you to the optimal solution. Alternatively, you can read our article “Why Do You Need to Cover All GNSS Bands with Your Navigation Antenna?” to get some additional insights on the topic.

Are Navigation (GNSS) antennas meant for reception?

Yes, our GNSS antennas are specifically designed for signal reception, providing highly accurate positioning data from global navigation satellite systems.

Which GNSS constellations do your antennas cover? What frequency bands are available for your GNSS antennas?

Our GNSS All-Bands antenna support all major constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, ensuring maximum coverage and positioning accuracy. Our GNSS E1/L1 Antenna and our Ceramic 3D Printed E1/L1 Antenna operate in the GPS L1 (1563-1587 MHz) and Galileo E1 frequency bands.

TT&C Antennas

Which TT&C antenna should I choose?

Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) antennas are selected based on mission-specific criteria such as frequency range, gain, beamwidth, and mechanical constraints. If you want an antenna with a strong flight heritage, our flagship S-Band Antenna is the one to choose. If you have space constraints or need dual-circular-polarization, our Compact S-Band Antenna will be a more appropriate solution. If you need a reliable Ka-Band antenna, our Choke Ring antenna is ideal for you. In any case, our experts will help you choose a suitable antenna tailored to your communication needs.

Are your TT&C antennas designed for both reception and emission?

Yes, our TT&C antennas are dual-purpose, enabling both reception of telemetry data from the spacecraft and transmission of control commands from ground stations. This capability ensures effective, continuous communication for critical mission operations. Learn more about our range of TT&C antennas, including options for S-band and Ka-band applications, on our product page.

What key features define a TT&C antenna?

Our TT&C antennas provide wide-beam radiation patterns, ensuring robust communication links with spacecraft, even under challenging conditions. Operating within key frequency bands such as S-band and Ka-band, they are built with high-quality materials to endure extreme mechanical stress, temperature fluctuations, and environmental factors encountered during launches and extended operations in orbit. For more details on our TT&C solutions, please visit our TT&C product page.

What frequency bands are available for your TT&C antennas?

ANYWAVES TT&C antennas operate in either S-band and Ka-band frequency ranges, providing dependable telemetry and control capabilities that can be tailored to the specific needs of space missions. These frequency bands are selected for their optimal balance of range, data rate, and resilience against interference.

Data Downlink Antennas

How do I select a Data Downlink antenna?

Choosing a suitable Data Downlink (X-Band) antenna involves evaluating your mission’s data transfer rate requirements, bandwidth needs, beamwidth, mechanical constraints, and environmental conditions. Our team offers personalized recommendations based on your specifications to ensure seamless and efficient data transmission for your payloads. Learn more about our X-Band Data Downlink antennas here.

What about your Data Downlink antennas—are they for reception or emission?

Anywaves’ Data Downlink antennas are primarily designed for data transmission, allowing high-speed data transfer from the spacecraft to ground stations. However, they are engineered to operate in reception mode when needed, providing flexibility for unique mission requirements.

What are the key features of a Data Downlink antenna?

Our Data Downlink antennas are characterized by high data transfer rates, increased bandwidth capabilities, compact design, and robust construction to withstand the harsh conditions of space. This makes them ideal for payload telemetry and efficient data transfer, even in challenging mission environments.

What frequency bands are available for your Data Downlink antennas?

Our Data Downlink antennas are optimized for the X-band frequency range, ensuring high-speed and efficient data transmission for payload telemetry and mission-critical data exchanges. They are available in either Left or Right-Hand Circular Polarization, and if you need a Dual-Circularly Polarized Antenna, you should check our latest X-Band Antenna.

4. Specific/Custom-Made Antennas

What if my specifications differ from standard Anywaves antennas?

At Anywaves, we recognize that each mission may have unique requirements. We offer a full suite of customization services, including the modification of existing designs or the creation of entirely new antenna solutions tailored to your specifications. Our engineering team works closely with clients to design solutions that align with mission objectives, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and compatibility.

What types of custom antennas can Anywaves develop?

Anywaves excels at developing a diverse range of custom antennas, such as high-gain models for telecommunications, inter-satellite links, and payload telemetry, as well as wideband antennas for spectrum monitoring, GNSS applications, and LEO Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). We also specialize in integrated and active antennas to meet specific functional and mechanical requirements. Explore more about our custom solutions on our custom antennas page.

Can our COTS Anywaves antennas be scaled or adapted to mission needs?

Yes, our antennas are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for scalability and performance adjustments to meet mission-specific requirements. Whether you need customized gain, beamwidth, frequency range, or other parameters, we can tailor the design to align with your exact needs. This ensures that your antenna solution is optimized for maximum efficiency and mission success.

Can you integrate antennas into a payload module?

Absolutely. Our integrated antennas-  such as our GNSS All-Bands with LNA card – reduce RF losses and optimize onboard RF power by incorporating RF front-end circuitry directly into the antenna chassis. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure seamless integration with payload modules, addressing size, mechanical, electrical, and thermal constraints for optimal performance.

5. Launcher Antennas

What differentiates spatial antennas from launcher antennas?

Our spatial and launcher antennas are tailored to address different needs within the satellite industry. Spatial antennas are crafted to support satellite communication functions, including data downlink and payload telemetry. Conversely, launcher antennas fulfill a distinct role by providing reliable communication and tracking throughout the critical ascent phase. These antennas are built to endure the extreme environmental conditions and vibrations during launch. They are also optimized for ground-based operations, facilitating essential telemetry and tracking.

What are the key features of Launcher antennas?

Launcher antennas are uniquely crafted to fulfill the specific demands of the launch phase in space missions. They exhibit several critical features, including:

1. Mechanical Durability: These antennas are built to endure the intense vibrations and shocks that occur during launch. Their robust construction ensures they can withstand high levels of acceleration and mechanical stress.
2. Thermal Adaptability: During ascent and descent, launchers experience rapid shifts in temperature. Launcher antennas must be capable of maintaining optimal performance despite these fluctuations, with designs that effectively manage thermal changes.
3. Frequency Optimization: These antennas are tailored to specific frequency bands commonly utilized in launch operations, such as S-band, C-band, or GNSS bands. This design ensures efficient signal transmission and reception, providing reliable communication throughout the launch sequence.
4. Ground Operations Compatibility: Launcher antennas are strategically placed on launchers to facilitate reliable communication with ground stations during the ascent phase. This positioning supports continuous monitoring and control.

You can find more information on our dedicated Launcher Antennas page.

Do you provide Test Caps for launcher antennas?

Yes, we offer Test Caps designed to facilitate accurate testing and verification of launcher antennas during integration and development. Our Test Caps allow for controlled and efficient testing, streamlining the validation process and minimizing operational costs.

6. Test Caps/Test Hats

What is a test cap, and how does it work?

A test cap (or test hat) is a ground segment device that enables end-to-end RF testing directly on your satellite, eliminating the need for anechoic chamber tests. This controlled RF environment streamlines testing processes, offering consistent and reproducible measurements while reducing costs. To get additional information, you can check our Product Page or read this piece of content: Why you should use Test Caps to revolutionize your testing process.

How do test caps streamline antenna testing? Are they universally compatible?

Test caps simplify antenna testing by providing consistent measurements in various environments, including cleanrooms and thermal chambers. While they reduce dependency on anechoic chambers, compatibility is critical: our test caps are specifically designed for Anywaves antennas. Due to design variations among other manufacturers, we cannot guarantee compatibility with non-Anywaves antennas.

Conclusion

Thank you for exploring our comprehensive FAQ guide: We hope it has provided you with valuable insights into our product capabilities, testing standards, and tailored solutions. Whether you need We hope this FAQ compilation has provided you with valuable insights into ANYWAVES antennas, our design capabilities, testing standards, and customized solutions for space missions.

Our commitment to excellence ensures that you receive antennas optimized for precision, durability, and reliability. If you have further questions or specific project needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team for personalized support!