ESA Science Core Technology Development Success Story - Broadening the TT&C Industrial Base in Europe [Aug/2022]
Development of TT&C subsystem capability, funded by ESA’s
Science Core Technology programme, creates another European alternative for
this critical spacecraft function for upcoming science missions, leading to
improvements for commercial satellites. CTP funding was awarded to Norway’s
Kongsberg Space Electronics (KSE). The company possessed extensive existing
expertise in the development of TT&C products for the commercial satellite telecommunication
industry.
The telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) subsystem of
a satellite provides a connection between an orbiting spacecraft and ground
infrastructure. TT&Cs are vital to the successful operations of satellites.
ESA identified the need to develop more performant TT&C subsystems for
science missions, notably to increase the data rate to keep up with the ever
more advanced satellite instruments and to diversify its suppliers. This was
also seen as a good opportunity to develop Norway’s space-based competencies.
The system engineering knowledge, expertise and processes
spill-over from the CTP programme has helped increase KSE’s competitiveness
within the company’s main expertise market, i.e. the commercial satcom sector. With
its K-band transmitter, KSE has developed a product on the market that is
comparable, if not better, than many of its competitors, and its performance
and power requirements make the product well-suited for compatibility with the
demanding requirements of missions such as PLATO and ARIEL. KSE is also
competitive on pricing, and there has been interest from overseas from
countries such as Japan.
By winning contracts with ESA CTP, KSE has been able to
expand its business, enter into new market segments, establish new company
expertise and become increasingly competitive. These business activities have
therefore directly contributed towards addressing some of the priorities
outlined in the Government’s strategy for Norway.
With its TT&C subsystem developed with CTP support, KSE
has helped broaden the industrial base for TT&C in Europe and further
expand European non-dependence with its advanced capabilities.
The full case study report can be accessed in the restricted
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The infographics can be accessed in the restricted area here
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This initiative is led by ESA’s Science Core Technology
Programme. More information can be accessed at ESA
- Science Core Technology Programme (CTP).