Arralis Ltd., a space communications company, has introduced a high data rate Ka-Band transceiver for integration into satellites. The LE-KaTR-102 transceiver operates from 27 to 30.5 GHz (Uplink) and 17 to 21.2 GHz (Downlink). It has been designed to fit within a 1U CubeSat system.
The OHB Cosmos fast-track telecommunication satellite was the first space to ground service developed by OHB Digital. The Arralis Ka-band transceiver was integrated into the satellite and made its first communication back to Earth approximately two hours after launch. The OHB satellite is now fully functional and has been receiving payload signals at its Bremen, Germany site since the 25th of January. This payload was deployed in partnership with OHB Cosmos and Rocket Labs.
The system utilizes Arralis’ Ka band MMIC portfolio and employs a fully integrated chipset, manufactured on a GaAs space qualified process, enabling high speed data communication links between satellites and ground-based stations. It is also available for larger satellites with a high power solid state PA, also designed and manufactured by Arralis.
“It has been a fantastic team effort by Arralis engineers in the UK and Ireland, working during the most difficult environment ever, my thanks to all those who made this happen and to OHB for having trust in us as a key supplier; this is the vision we had for Arralis just over seven years ago when first founded, a very proud moment”.
“As part of our innovative design team at Arralis, it has been a pleasure to work with OHB, in the development of leading-edge Ka-band space communications technology for their successful mission launch with Rocket Labs.” said Michael Major, senior RF design engineer at Arralis. “We see the LE-KaTR-102 transceiver as an important component in the future delivery of LEO mega constellations and the realisation of worldwide high-speed data communications.”
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