Experimental Validation of an X-band Active Antenna for Data Downlink Applications

Future space missions featuring high-resolution microwave and optical instruments will require increasingly advanced data downlink antennas. To address these evolving needs, Anywaves has established a roadmap for the commercial deployment of an X-band phased array antenna dedicated to payload data transmission. The solution is designed to provide electronic beam steering capabilities while remaining fully compatible with the constraints and requirements of typical low Earth orbit small satellites.

One of the key challenges in developing such a complex system lies in defining an efficient validation and acceptance test strategy. Although comprehensive RF characterization is part of the standard development process, production environments also require faster and more cost-effective validation methods.

This paper investigates alternative experimental validation techniques based on a partial phased array demonstrator developed in the frame of a recent CNES-supported R&T activity. The preliminary results obtained so far are considered promising. Future work will focus on the automation of a complete acceptance test sequence.