Antennas and Satellite Communication
As the successor to MAN Technologie and MT Mechatronics, OHB Digital Connect can draw on decades of experience in telescope and antenna construction at its Mainz site to offer a wide range of turnkey solutions for satellite ground stations.
This expertise is complemented by the specialist knowledge of our colleagues from the Satellite Communication division at the Bremen site, whose know-how covers all aspects of the development and design of radio communication systems.
Development and Construction of New Ground Stations
Robust and secure ground stations make a decisive contribution to the success of satellite missions. OHB Digital Connect has many years of experience in the design and realization of antennas for the most demanding requirements. As a reliable partner, we supply our sister companies within the OHB Group and external customers with customized satellite ground stations to support demanding missions.
We serve the following areas of application:
- Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) for satellites in LEO/MEO/GEO
- Payload and anchor antennas for satellites in LEO/MEO/GEO
- Optical communication
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- Space surveillance / Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
- Deep space communication
- Lunar communication
- Geodesy
Delivery and Installation of Turnkey Satcom Antennas
We offer complete antenna systems according to individual customer requirements:
- Limited-motion antennas (reflectors up to 13m, all frequency bands)
- Turning-head antennas (reflectors up to 18m, all frequency bands)
- Full-motion antennas (reflectors up to 40m, all frequency bands)
- Optical ground stations for LEO, MEO, GEO, Deep Space, SSA
As a general contractor, we fully configure the antennas in the following areas:
- System engineering
- Mechanics
- Electrics
- Automation technology
- Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance
- Optics
- HF chain
Our References
Upgrades, Modernization and Maintenance of Existing Systems
We offer comprehensive upgrade and maintenance services for existing ground stations from all manufacturers. We advise our customers worldwide and find solutions tailored to their specific requirements in order to prepare ground stations for future tasks.
Our services include, among others:
- Mechanics
- Replacement of components (reflector, mechanics, gearbox, etc.)
- Surveying
- Relocation
- Electrics
- Replacement and upgrade of control and power electronics
- Rewiring
- Implementation of new subsystems (e.g. de-icing systems, drive upgrades)
- Antenna control unit
- Upgrades of antenna control hardware and software
- Integration into the station controller
- Implementation of condition monitoring systems and remote control
- Optics and HF chain
- Replacement and upgrade of complete optics and RF chains up to the modem
- Surveying and testing with satellites
- Construction site services
- Maintenance
- Repair
- Damage analysis
Satellite Communication
We have decades of experience in the development and design of radio communication systems, both for the connection between aircraft and ground stations and for communication via existing satellite systems. Our expertise covers all aspects of satellite communication: From knowledge of modulation and demodulation, link budgets and RF components, to the design of network topologies and routing.
In addition to new technologies, new threats are also emerging. Cyber attacks, jamming and data theft have become ubiquitous issues today. Satellite communication is no longer limited to large, static individual satellites positioned above the equator, but is increasingly taking place using small, agile satellite constellations. This is accompanied by new requirements for securing satellite communication.
The OHB Group is a driving force for new technologies in this area and innovations in satellite communications. We are involved in national research projects as well as in development programs of the European Space Agency and the European Commission in order to make new technologies available and satellite communications more secure and better.
Our services include:
- End-to-end solutions for satellite communication
- Innovative modems
- Interference-resistant waveform technologies
- Intelligent terminal solutions