Applications of HEMT devices in space communication systems and equipment: a European perspective

摘要

In the last years the satellite applications have seen a strong increase in the space hardware demand mainly for commercial communication services like fixed satellite service (FSS), broadcasting satellite service (BSS) and mobile satellite service (MSS). The new boundary will be the low cost, high production rate hardware needed for satellite constellations like Teledesic and for multimedia satellite-based systems (Euroskyway, Spaceway, Astrolink, Cyberstar). The design and development of microwave and millimeter wave equipment has been deeply modified in order to combine technical requirements and market needs (large productions, low cost and fast lead time). In this scenario the maturity of gallium arsenide MESFET and PHEMT devices and processes for space applications is a key factor and the design and integration of GaAs MMICs is mandatory to achieve the mentioned industrial drivers in the space companies. The paper will focus the application of GaAs MMIC technology in the European space industry taking as reference the space production done by Alenia Aerospazio in Italy and other European space companies and providing a future road map.