AeroAstro's X-Band Transponder serves the needs of the next generation of small spacecraft by providing a reliable, high data-rate communications platform in a band with ample spectrum availability. The X-Band Transponder is smaller in size (6 x 3 x 3 inches), lower in mass 850 grams), and lower in power consumption (14.5 W transmit power using high-power amplifier, and 4W receive power) than other radios with comparable capabilities.

This full-duplex coherent transponder can transmit at a data rate of up to 10 Mbps and receive at a rate of up to 50 kbps. An optional high-power amplifier (HPA) is available to increase the data rate in LEO or extend the transmitter range to GTO. The first three AeroAstro X-Band Transponders were flown on the NASA New Millennium Program's Space Technology 5 (ST5) Nanosatellite Constellation Trailblazer mission, which successfully concluded on June 30, 2006.

The X-Band transponder is compatible with DSN, STDN, and TDRSS ground stations and spread spectrum. Due to its flexible design, other configurations in addition to the transponder are available, including a transceiver or a separate transmitter and receiver.

For more information on AeroAstro’s X-Band transponder, please download our product data sheet. [download PDF]

S-Band Radios

AeroAstro's compact, lightweight S-Band transceivers can be ordered for STDN, SGLS, or USB protocols and are designed to provide affordable and reliable telemetry and command uplink for nanosatellites and microsatellites. The unit includes latch-up detection and mitigation circuitry for applications with higher radiation exposure.

The transceiver is designed to be compatible with a wide variety of satellite bus systems. The transmitter, receiver, and HPA (high-power amplifier - optional) are each separate packages, 3" x 2" x 1" in size, providing a variety of placement configurations for tight spaces. Each of the three packages weighs less than 200 grams (weight varies slightly by configuration).

The receiver runs at bit rates from 1 kbps to 8 kbps and consumes less than 800 mW. Higher data rates using QPSK are an available option. The transmitter provides downlink rates from 1 kbps up to 10 Mbps with the optional HPA. The transmitter output power is 500 mW while the HPA is rated at 5 Watts. There is a tone ranging channel output to implement either a non-coherent or coherent transponder function. A DC/DC converter module is also available to provide an interface to a +28 Vdc power bus.

AeroAstro built two S-band transmitters in support of the MOST mission for the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto, Canada; the mission was launched in 2003 and the transponders have been working as specified since launch. The transmitter, receiver and high-power amplifier elements share a common design and implementation legacy.

For more information on AeroAstro’s S-Band transceiver, please download our product data sheet. [download PDF]