Satellite payload testing

Satellite payload and communication system testing

Integrated, tailored test solution and comprehensive services for an efficient test execution

With the rapid commercialization of space, more providers are trying to participate in the development of New Space using small satellites. These satellites are expected to be more powerful, smaller and more cost-effective, while facing ever shorter development times. Meeting these demands requires the seamless overlap of all phases - from planning to design, development, assembly, integration and testing (AIT).

Payloads, communication and bus systems, antennas, power supplies and electronic modules must all undergo extensive tests during development, assembly and integration. In addition, the entire system must be validated under space conditions with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.

Satellite systems must operate reliably and coexist with other electronic devices without causing interference. As such, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards play a key role in satellite payload testing.

These standards, including AIAA, MIL-STD-461, ECSS, IEC 61000 series and GSFC-STD, define the requirements for emissions, immunity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation in addition to testing methodologies and compliance criteria. With EMC testing, manufacturers and operators can be certain that their satellites are interoperable with existing networks and ensure the integrity of satellite communication.

At Rohde & Schwarz, we offer comprehensive test solutions for development, production and verification.

Satellite payload testing challenges in NewSpace

Satellite design testing in NewSpace presents unique challenges due to the complexity and diversity of payload subsystems:

High-throughput satellites (HTS) require larger bandwidths and higher modulation, resulting in signal generation and analysis difficulties.
LEO satellites have shorter lives and payback times, requiring rapid development models and new design processes. This results in validation test requirement changes.
Satellites must be tested under real-life conditions prior to launch.
Satellite communication uses higher frequencies, including C-, Ku/Ka-, Q/V-bands
Cube and nano satellites have new size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements, additionally the power efficiency of their electronic power supplies (EPS) must be optimized.
Electronically steerable array (ESA) antennas and TRx modules must be characterized and calibrated, both on ground and in orbit.
Regenerative payloads introduce additional complexities with their sophisticated on-board signal processing and regeneration capabilities.
End-to-end testing of 5G (gNB) requires comprehensive testing of the entire communication chain - from ground station to satellite and back.

High-performance solutions for satellite payload testing

At Rohde & Schwarz, we offer solutions for testing components, subsystems and full satellite systems.

RF & microwave component testing: mixer, frequency converter, low-noise amplifier (LNA), low-noise block converter (LNB), power amplifier, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)
Sub-systems testing: power supply system, telemetry, tracking and command system (TT&C), communication subsystem, payload sub-system, antenna subsystem, (traditional parabolic antennas and electronically steerable array antennas), interface busses
Entire satellite systems testing: EMC, TVAC