QuadSAT Performs Drone Antenna Pattern and Tracking Tests on a 15m Antenna

Large antenna drone test

Odense, Denmark, 16th March 2022 – QuadSAT has worked alongside teams from the European Space Agency’s ESOC mission control centre to complete a measurement campaign of large antennas at Kiruna Earth Station. Using the QuadSAT UAS, this represents the first time a drone-based system has been used to measure a 15-metre antenna and to perform tracking tests with it.

ESA has been supporting and funding parts of the development of the QuadSAT Solution through the Agency’s ARTES program. This campaign saw QuadSAT testing KIR-1 (a 15 m antenna) and KIR-2 (a 13 m antenna) at the earth station on behalf of ESA’s ESOC centre.

Typically, testing on large antennas is challenging and complex. Up until now, it has only been possible with either satellite tracking, which requires a free satellite segment and coordination with the satellite operator, or with fixed RF beacons, which involve the building of a large structure and oftentimes prove to be a logistic challenge to use, while delivering limited testing possibilities. Using a drone-based system opens the possibility for more comprehensive testing.

Measurements were taken in X-band and circular polarisation at a distance of almost 10 km from the antenna. The QuadSAT system includes a customised payload mounted onto a professional-grade UAS. In addition to pattern cuts, raster scans were performed to give a full view of the antennas’ performance. A raster scan delivers a full azimuth-over-elevation view of a portion of the radiation pattern, thus focusing on the overall radiation characteristics of the antenna and ensuring no impact from reflections in the landscape, water or surrounding buildings, among other diagnostics.

Joakim Espeland, CEO of QuadSAT, commented: “We are really excited to be working with ESA following all the support we have received from the ESA ARTES program. We believe that these tests represent a major leap in the capabilities of testing large antennas, something that has been extremely challenging until now.”

Piermario Besso, Head of the Antenna and Infrastructure Section at ESA, added: “The QuadSAT system has the potential to revolutionise satellite antenna testing and measurement, especially as it has now proven its ability to test large antennas. This system will aid in providing quality assurance and improving reliability.”

Following on from this project, customers can now engage with QuadSAT to receive more test data. This allows them to get better use out of their systems and give operational confidence that has not been possible to attain before.

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT has developed a system for the test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radiofrequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

Media Contact:

Helen Weedon

Radical Moves

+44 7733 231922

helen@radicalmoves.co.uk

A Welcome Return for SATELLITE 2022 

SATELLITE 2022 returns to Washington DC later this month, bringing an opportunity for industry leaders, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to get together to discuss the challenges and innovations within the space and satellite sectors. The QuadSAT team is looking forward to meeting friends, old and new, and networking with the wider industry. 

Of course, QuadSAT is planning on getting right into the middle of the action at the show, as our CEO prepares to join a panel discussion and others plan our presence in the exhibition hall. Wondering how to get involved with QuadSAT at the event?

Here are 3 ways to keep up with us at the show: 

Find Us on Stage 

Our CEO, Joakim Espeland, will join a panel to explore challenges to the industry posed by LEO and MEO constellations. Alongside industry leaders from Integrasys, Kratos Defense, Satprof, and GVF, the panel will discuss various new and existing technologies supporting interference prevention. 

The discussion, entitled ‘Interference Prevention in a Crowded Multi-Orbit Environment’, takes place at 15:00 GMT on Tuesday March 22. View the synopsis and browse the full programme here

Vote For Us 

We recently announced that the QuadSAT system for antenna testing and calibration has been shortlisted for Via Satellite’s ‘Satellite Technology of the Year’ award. Each year, Via Satellite selects nominees based on innovation, benefit to the industry, and overall disruption to the satellite landscape. 

We are honoured to be in the running for this great award. Please take a moment to vote for us. Voting closes on March 22nd and the winner will be announced at SATELLITE on Wednesday, March 23. Vote Here 

Visit Our Booth 

The QuadSAT system consists of a pseudo-satellite payload integrated on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle making it deployable anywhere at any time. The system is fully automated with pre-and post-test software, ensuring repeatable high-quality data is delivered in a uniform format. 

Join us at our booth during the event to ask your questions and learn more about our drone technology and innovations. Find us on Booth 2036 in the Startup Pavilion. 

However you choose to spend your time at the largest innovative business gathering of the year, we are certain you will come away with fresh insights and knowledge, as well as new industry connections. 

Satellite 2022 will run from 21-24 March at the Walter. E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Register now to claim your free hall pass. 

QuadSAT Shortlisted in Via Satellite’s 2021 Satellite Technology of the Year Award

Via Satellite Technology of the year award

The satellite and space communities can vote to help QuadSAT win the Satellite Technology of the Year.

Odense, Denmark, 08 March 2022 – QuadSAT’s system for antenna testing and calibration has been nominated for Via Satellite’s 2021 Satellite Technology of the Year Award. The nominees are chosen based on innovation, benefit to the industry, and overall disruption to the satellite landscape.

Mark Holmes, Editor, Via Satellite, said: “The Satellite Technology of the Year award, less than five years old, goes from strength to strength. We had a record number of companies taking part in the process and the competition has been ferocious. There are so many great technology stories in our industry, that asking us to pick just one is getting harder each year. Our industry has a wonderful strength in depth from seasoned tech companies, to those starting out and trying to shake up the established order.”

QuadSAT’s drone-based system provides users with flexible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. A broad range of testing missions can be undertaken, depending on user requirements, and antennas can be tested regardless of location. The system provides pre-and post-flight software to ensure repeatability, automated measurements, ease of operation and data delivery in a uniform format.

The winner of the 2021 Satellite Technology of the Year will be determined by a combination of the Via Satellite editorial team, including Editorial Director, Mark Holmes, and votes that come directly from industry. The public can vote for QuadSAT’s system for antenna testing and calibration online.

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented: “With our drone-based system we are aiming to improve accessibility to antenna testing, delivering a cost-effective way to provide reliable testing. The Via Satellite Satellite Technology of the Year awards are widely regarded as prestigious awards, so we are especially proud to have made the shortlist. This is perfect timing for us as we are currently raising our Series A investment round and we look forward to the awards ceremony at Satellite 2022.

From the host of the prestigious “Satellite Executive of the Year Award”, Via Satellite has a longstanding history of recognizing the people leading the charge for the satellite industry.

Voting closes at noon ET on March 22. The winner will be announced at SATELLITE 2022 on Wednesday, March 23 at the Via Satellite Awards Luncheon, which is open to all conference-level attendees. Register for SATELLITE here and press can register here.

For more information on the award, or to vote for QuadSAT, please visit https://www.satellitetoday.com/vote.

About Via Satellite

Via Satellite provides essential news and expert business analysis on the global satellite communications marketplace, including current and evolving applications, infrastructure issues, technology, and business and regulatory developments around the word reaches the most engaged community of satellite professionals and qualified industry decision makers.   

About SATELLITE 2022

SATELLITE unites a diverse community of aerospace and connectivity thought leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, engineers, end-users and enthusiasts from around the world for most important global satellite technology event of the year. The SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition will take place on March 21-24, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001). For more information, please visit www.SATShow.com.

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT has developed a system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radio frequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

Media Contact:

Helen Weedon

Radical Moves

+44 7733 231922

helen@radicalmoves.co.uk

QuadSAT Performs Antenna Validation Campaign for OneWeb at KSAT

OneWeb validation of antenna with KSAT

Odense, Denmark, 3rd March 2022 – QuadSAT has performed an antenna validation campaign as part of its ongoing work with LEO satellite operator, OneWeb. QuadSAT performed in-situ verification of 10 antennas at the KSAT Svalbard Ground Station, the world´s largest and northernmost station ideally located at 78´North, in Norway, as part of OneWeb’s ground segment rollout.

The tests focused on the measurements of antenna radiation diagrams, and the verification of the North offset in antenna pointing utilizing the drone as the source. QuadSAT executed several measurements, including azimuth, elevation, and raster cuts to provide accurate data for processing. Data were aggregated through QuadSAT’s own software to deliver accurate results.

QuadSAT is a key disruptor within interference management as its drone-based system provides users with flexible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. A broad range of testing missions can be undertaken, depending on user requirements, and antennas can be tested regardless of location.

OneWeb is a global communications network powered by a constellation of 650 LEO satellites. OneWeb enables high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities globally. Its satellites, network of gateways, and range of User Terminals provide fast, high bandwidth, low latency communication services.

Joakim Espeland, CEO of QuadSAT, commented: “RF management is crucial when maintaining complex ground segment networks and OneWeb is keen to ensure that it delivers the best service possible to its customers. Our product enables in-depth testing and validation of antennas to take place in-situ, providing OneWeb with accurate data for its antennas within their own environment. This intensive validation campaign endorses the capabilities of OneWeb’s sophisticated ground segment.’

Daniel Costenbader, Ground Systems Engineer of OneWeb, added: “As the rollout of our ground segment progresses, we are utilising innovative methods to ensure that our networks are robust and accurate. By validating our antennas in-situ, we can review and verify the technology in its own environment. The product and expertise provided by QuadSAT has provided us with sophisticated and detailed results from the validation campaign.”

QuadSAT improves accessibility to high-quality testing solutions for the ground segment. The system ensures repeatability, control over the drone during measurements, ease of operation and data delivery in a uniform format. This in-depth testing provides quality assurance and improves reliability throughout the satcom industry, allowing the industry to deliver the networks required for the connectivity of the future.

Media Contact:

Helen Weedon

Radical Moves

helen@radicalmoves.co.uk

+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT is developing a brand new system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radio frequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech-focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

Considerations for the Future of the Ground Segment

Drone flying

By Joakim Espeland, CEO QuadSAT

The satellite industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace and so is the ground segment. In 2017, there were just 338 smallsat launches worldwide, and in 2020 the number increased to more than 1200. The increase of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) launches will inevitably have an impact on the ground segment, forcing change in order to keep up the pace of development.

A great deal of the ground segment infrastructure for LEO is still relatively undecided – indeed, manufacturers are trying to predetermine the needs of a changing industry and put the infrastructure into place ready for a new era of satcomms.

Let’s consider three elements that will be vital to move the ground segment forward.

Adaptation

The ground segment needs to become as agile as it can in order to innovate and adapt to satellite changes. Changes in the sky must be reflected in the operations on the ground, otherwise, the ground segment will not keep up. Innovation in the industry is crucial, and it seems likely that programmable Flat Panel Antennas (FPA s) will be utilised, due to LEO and MEO satellites moving across the sky in comparison to a relatively static GEO satellite. Multiple antennas will need to be employed to ensure consistent coverage, but many FPAs fall short of the exacting standards required to ensure consistent, high-quality connection. 

Testing

In order to remain competitive, and to ensure that satellite is recognised as a solution for next-generation resources, we need to guarantee that services remain error-free. The greatest cause of error in satellites is equipment failure, so it is imperative that new equipment receives rigorous testing before it is put on the network. Testing however can be time-consuming, which is not always ideal when ground equipment is being adapted quickly to meet demand. It is also essential for testing standards to become as agile as the industry itself, as older testing methods may not be suitable for newer technology, as initial antenna labs nor test ranges were not designed for use with LEO satellite. It may not be cost-effective to use traditional testing regimes for next-generation satellites.

Type Approvals

In addition to testing, Type Approvals are a valid way to let operators and users know that they can be confident in their equipment and that they perform well in industry testing. It seems logical that these Type Approvals will need to mirror the testing standards and adapt or extend in order to meet emerging technology, in particular with relation to FPAs.

Addressing the Challenges in the Ground Segment

It seems clear that the satellite industry is facing a challenging time. As well as the considerations above, satellite operators also need to have answers to the questions of RF signal and bandwidth, how redundancy will be managed, and how many satellites will need to be tracked concurrently. There is the additional threat of emerging competition from different communications methods, something that has increased over the past 18 months. But we need not be unduly concerned – satellite has proven itself to be a reliable solution and, if operators are willing to pivot and adapt to address these obstacles, it has great potential to enable a great many next-gen services.

3 Things to Know About Flat Panel Antennas

Flat panel antenna testing with quadsat drone

Driven by their space and weight saving convenience, Flat Panel Antennas (FPAs) are appealing competitors to traditional parabolic antennas. With 360 Research Reports predicting that the FPA market will grow at CAGR of 40.7% during 2021-2026, there is a clear demand for their offerings. As with all antennas, correct set up and in-depth maintenance schedules are the only way to ensure that the system is performing effectively. We know that parabolic antennas and FPAs have distinctive testing requirements, but how much do they differ? Here are our top 3 considerations for establishing testing regimes for FPAs.

1. Flat Panel Antennas are multi-orbit and can operate at more than one pointing angle at a time

Active electronically scanned array FPAs can simultaneously radiate multiple beams in order to direct radio waves on a static antenna. However, this brings challenges in terms of testing and monitoring as often pointing angles change over time. To address this increase in complexity, there needs to be an increase in the number of testing patterns for FPAs. They need a wider scope of testing, and this can be challenging using a traditional, static test range. Dynamic testing methods, such as UAVs, are key to managing the complexity and flexibility of these testing patterns as they deliver broader results and can respond to multiple pointing angles. Additionally, they allow for on-site testing, reducing downtime and logistical challenges for comms-on-the-move customers, who are showing a keen interest in flat panel technologies.

2. A Flat Panel Antenna performs best when facing straight up as opposed to at a low elevation angle

When establishing testing patterns, it’s important to focus resources to the correct places. You must identify critical operation points of the antenna to identify which areas should be focused for in-depth testing and more detailed measurements. The entire FPA should be tested, however, shorter and faster measurements can be taken on the wider aspects as this, paired with the in-depth results, will provide appropriate levels of evidence to identify the antennas overall performance. This focused approach ensures high testing efficiency whilst maintaining quality. Additionally, it will allow users to quickly identify whether the antenna is performing as its best and whether it is at risk of RF interference and signal degradation.

3. Pattern changes could cause trouble for FPAs when tracking LEO/MEO satellites

It’s important to keep graceful degradation in mind when considering FPAs. Subtle changes in patterns over time could have larger effects on antennas being used for LEO and MEO. Working at a lower orbital altitude than GEO, LEO and MEO satellites will require antennas to track their movements across the sky, with satellites switching from one ground segment to another. The complexity of this system has little room for error as the mistracking of a satellite could result in signal degradation. Over time, the FPA might start tracking the satellite on a side lobe or similar which could cause trouble within the system; its ripple effects could be greater within the complex networks of LEO and MEO. Therefore, it is imperative that FPA operators working with LEO and MEO infrastructures consider this and incorporate regular testing regimes to promote accuracy.

FPAs are hugely appealing to customers, and we know the importance of users having access to the right tools for testing antennas. The delivery of these antennas does create new challenges within the industry due to their complexities and we know that discussions regarding an industry-wide approach to type-approvals are being instigated by the Satcoms Innovation Group and SOMAP.  At QuadSAT, we are researching and developing new ways to enhance FPA testing and we look forward to a conformed approach to managing these antennas within the satcom ecosystem.

Watch our CEO, Joakim Espeland, participate in a SIG panel discussion regarding Flat Panel Antennas at ConnecTechAsia.

QuadSAT’s Senior RF Engineer Joins AMTA Board of Directors

AMTA research Cosme drone flying

Odense, Denmark, 28 October 2021: QuadSAT’s Senior RF Engineer Dr.-Ing. Cosme Culotta-López will be serving as a Technical Coordinator on the Board of Directors of the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association (AMTA) from January 2022. Cosme has been an active member of AMTA since 2017 and has been awarded with Best Paper Awards from AMTA in 2019 and 2021.

The ​Antenna​ ​Measurement​ ​Techniques​ ​Association (AMTA)​ ​​is​ ​a ​​non-profit,​ ​international​ ​organization dedicated​ ​to​ the​ ​development​ ​and​ ​dissemination​ ​of​ ​theory,​ ​best​ ​practices​ ​and​ ​applications​ ​of​ ​antenna, radar​ ​signature​ ​and​ ​other​ ​electromagnetic​ ​measurement​ ​technologies.​ ​

Cosme’s plans, according to his position statement, will specifically focus on academia, engaging with the research community in universities and other public research institutions to further involvement with AMTA. It is hoped that increasing exposure and reach will benefit those students already specializing in this area, as well as increasing the number of students who choose to enter this field. Ultimately this will help to further secure the future of both AMTA and the industry.

Cosme Culotta-López, Senior RF Engineer at QuadSAT, commented: “The strength of AMTA lies in the different sectors it brings together, namely academia, government, industry, and other commercial entities. I first came to AMTA as a student and academic researcher. It has enabled me to co-operate with several industry partners, which proved itself not only extremely useful for my research, but also for my understanding of industry demands. Joining the Board of Directors means that I can now give back to the AMTA community and encourage other students into this field.”

Cosme joined QuadSAT in June 2021 as Senior RF Engineer. His main area of focus is researching antenna measurement techniques using drone technology. He has received Best Student Paper awards on multiple occasions for his research in spherical near-field antenna measurements and compressed Sensing.  In 2014 he received an Engineering degree in telecommunications engineering from the University in Málaga, Spain and in 2021 his doctoral degree (summa cum laude) from RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

To learn more about the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association, click here.

– ENDS –

Media Contact:

Helen Weedon

Radical Moves

helen@radicalmoves.co.uk

+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT has developed a brand new system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radio frequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

Our Work with Cranfield University: Studying the Accuracy of Drone Antenna Measurements

Cranfield University Swarm research

As an organisation that originates from academia, QuadSAT places value on working alongside academic establishments, like Cranfield University, to evaluate the latest technological advances within satcom. With a revolutionary approach to antenna testing, we have delivered many studies and reports detailing the technical aspects of data collection and management when undertaking antenna testing with UAVs.

Our latest work with Cranfield University

Our latest report, produced by our CEO, Joakim Espeland, and a team from The School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University discusses considerations around additional uncertainties during comms-on-the-move antenna measurements taken by UAVs, due to the mobility of the systems.

One of the important requirements of a COTM terminal antenna is the tracking capability to keep pointing towards the intended satellite when it is operated on a vehicle. Previously, a huge facility would have been required to perform this tracking evaluation test. We proposed that an in-situ measurement using a multi-UAV system could test the antenna on-site as the UAV could emulate the trajectory of a non-GEO satellite during the measurement process.

Using this method would of course introduce additional uncertainties, therefore the team knew it would be beneficial to have a methodology to reduce the effect of noise and improve the accuracy of the evaluation to calculate the depointing measurement. Alongside Cranfield University, the team at QuadSAT worked to establish the impact of these uncertainties and establish a method to ensure accurate test readings were collected. Members of the QuadSAT team will be presenting an in-depth discussion regarding this process at AMTA 2021.

The Conclusion

Through thorough research, teams at both QuadSAT and Cranfield University formulated a stochastic filter for depointing measurements, and its performance was then analysed. The developed approach showed better accuracy and highlighted that it required a fewer number of sensors in the numerical simulation compared to the conventional table matching approach. The findings confirmed that the approach to fight against the additional uncertainties introduced by dynamic measurement systems and to make it more practical.

Why we value working with academic establishments

Having started as a university project, we know the benefits of working with fresh-thinking students who can bring new thoughts and perspectives to our development and evaluation processes. It also provides students with a brilliant opportunity to apply their methodology and hypotheses to real-life scenarios and solutions, providing them with more depth of understanding and experience within the field.

Crandfield University PHD Student Saki Omi

Saki Omi, PhD, Cranfield University comments: “My research field is an autonomous decision-making system for multiple UAVs. We are working on swarm solutions to extend the measurement capability for antenna evaluation. Given this very specific and practical aim, the way of the research is always focusing on bringing the concept to life. This special opportunity of working both with Cranfield University and QuadSAT helps me to see the wider perspective.”

Having started as a university project, we know the benefits of working with fresh-thinking students who can bring new thoughts and perspectives to our development and evaluation processes. It also provides students with a brilliant opportunity to apply their methodology and hypotheses to real-life scenarios and solutions, providing them with more depth of understanding and experience within the field.

As an innovative technology, we have spent a lot of time studying and testing our methods to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Creating joint projects with academic organisations enhances this process and bolsters our confidence that our approach to development is industry-leading.

The team is looking forward to sharing the research process and its detailed findings at AMTA 2021 this week.

QuadSAT will hold an in-depth presentation regarding the findings of this report at this years AMTA. Visit the AMTA website for more information.

OneWeb Strengthens Ground Segment with QuadSAT

OneWeb antenna being tested by QuadSAT solution

OneWeb Antenna Validation Campaign Ahead of LEO Constellation Rollout

Odense, Denmark, 22 September 2021OneWeb, the low Earth orbit satellite communications company is working with QuadSAT to perform verification of its ground segment antennas ahead of the global rollout of its LEO constellation. In an initial stage, QuadSAT has carried out an antenna validation campaign at the Telespazio teleport in Scanzano, Italy.

Using its unique drone payload for antenna testing, QuadSAT performed in-situ measurement generating antenna radiation patterns as well as north offset in antenna pointing. QuadSAT’s drone-based system provides users with flexible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. Antennas can be tested anytime and anywhere, and it can perform a broad range of testing missions depending on requirements. QuadSAT pre-and post-flight software ensures repeatability, control over the drone during measurements, ease of operation, and data delivery in a uniform format.

During the campaign, QuadSAT measured radiation patterns of several OneWeb antennas, enabling the validation of feed alignment and the direction of pointing. This is the first time OneWeb has utilized the capabilities of drone-based antenna diagnostics. Following successful results from this initial phase, QuadSAT will be performing antenna verification at other OneWeb sites.

Joseph Paciaroni, Director of Gateway Deployment, OneWeb commented: “We are in the process of building the ground segment for our state-of-the-art constellation. Having innovative methods for diagnostics will be an important success factor and we are particularly excited about the potential of drone-based in-situ diagnostics where traditional antenna validation techniques are not available. During this initial phase, we were really impressed with both the quality of the data and the ability to carry out the test within a very short time frame.”

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, added: “We are glad to be able to provide OneWeb with our measurement services for on-site validation and optimization. A fully optimized ground station is essential for OneWeb to assure the best possible service to its customers. It is therefore essential that a validation of the ground segment is carried out on-site. This is one of the services we provide at QuadSAT.”

– ENDS-

Media Contact

Helen Weedon
Radical Moves
helen@radicalmoves.co.uk
+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT is developing a brand new system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consists of experts in robotics and radiofrequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

3 Ways Drones Will Solve Ground Segment Testing In The New Era of Satcoms

Ground segment antenna measurement with drone

By Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT

Satcoms is changing. There are more satellites in the sky than ever before, with more than 200 companies planning to launch more than 100 000 satellites over the next decade, space will have the new digital infrastructure around our planet. Reliability and robustness are changing from niche and nice to have to need to have. Autonomous cars, delivery drones and IOT require an RF interference-free environment as well as full operational confidence to exist.

Here are 3 ways in which drones are overhauling testing within satcom to tackle this:

1. Access to testing

Access to testing can be a challenge, both logistically and from a cost perspective. It is also difficult to recreate environmental conditions. If we can increase and improve access to tests, it will be a game-changer for the space industry. Satellite operators use test data to make link calculations and test in situ antenna performance to increase operational performance. For antenna manufacturers, testing is vital in order to prove compliance according to regulatory standards. At the same time, they need to increase efficiency in R&D and factory testing and drones could help them do that. Drones move the testing systems to the antenna, as opposed to the antenna having to move to the test site. This means accurate on-site testing, allowing for true to life readings.

2. Changes in requirements

LEO and MEO constellations are delivering new challenges to the industry, and we know that the industry is going to need to adapt its testing methods to reflect this. It is important that new performance requirements come in place for the next generation of satellite constellations and ground segments. LEO satellites move across the sky and the ground segment must be able to track them in order to remain in contact. This is incredibly different to GEO satellites which remain ‘static’ in the view of the ground segment. Antenna labs and test ranges haven’t been designed to suit LEO and therefore antenna manufacturers need testing methods to validate and test their systems. Drones are stepping into this role and offering analysis by having test equipment moving freely in three dimensions.

3. The cost of maintenance

There have always been high costs associated with maintaining a testing regime. However, without testing regimes antenna performance can degrade and become problematic and RF interference can occur. Testing and calibration are core to satcom operations at the ground segment and therefore it needs to be as cost-effective as possible. Beyond the obvious logistical benefits, performing on-site testing through drone technology reduces both the cost of testing and the cost of downtime. This improves accessibility to testing and allows teleport operators to have access to better testing regimes. Ground segments across all sectors, including comms on the move, benefit from the convenience of on-site, low-cost testing.

Read my article in Test and Test Houses for an in-depth look at how drones are transforming testing.