Press Release
First Communication Experiment with the Heinrich Hertz Satellite Successfully Conducted: ILKA Portable KU-Band Antenna Establishes Contact
Munich/Bremen, March 28, 2024. The Heinrich Hertz communications satellite, commissioned by the German Space Agency (DLR) and built and operated by OHB, has successfully begun scientific operations.
The satellite, which was launched on July 6, 2023, at 12:00 a.m. CEST and placed in geostationary orbit at 0.5 degrees east, was recently used to test the functionality and performance of the ILKA mobile satellite communications system.
ILKA (Integrated, Deployable, Lightweight ManpackComplete Antenna) is a portable KU-band antenna developed under the leadership of the Munich-based aerospace specialist HPS GmbH for use in extreme situations such as natural disasters, on expeditions, or during special operations by the police, intelligence services, and the military. During a field test, the antenna was set up on a building roof and established contact with the Heinrich Hertz satellite. Signals were successfully transmitted to and received from the satellite to verify the performance of the newly developed ground antenna.
The tests now being conducted are the first in a series of experiments planned for the coming months and years with Heinrich Hertz. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bonn was responsible for carrying out the tests. OHB Digital Connect provided support, including configuring the satellite payload and monitoring the transmitted and received signals.
Disclaimer
The Heinrich Hertz Mission marks the first time Germany has launched its own communications satellite to research and test new technologies and communications scenarios. The mission thus contributes to the information society in Germany.
The Heinrich Hertz Mission is led by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bonn on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and with the participation of the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg).
OHB System AG was commissioned to develop and build the satellite. IABG GmbH, MDA AG, and TESAT GmbH & Co. KG are also involved in the satellite’s development and testing. OHB Digital Connect, in collaboration with CGI, is responsible for the ground segment. The satellite control center was established in Bonn. The new ground stations are located in Hürth (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Neustrelitz (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Arianespace was responsible for launching the mission aboard the Ariane 5 launch vehicle (VA261). A total of 42 partners are involved in the mission—14 of whom are contributing to the scientific payload.
About OHB Digital Connect
OHB Digital Connect is a subsidiary of the Bremen-based space and technology group OHB SE.
Our mission: We establish the connection between the ground and space and bring satellite data into application.
We.Connect.Space.
Media Contact
Pia Bausch
Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 421 2020 6511
Email: pia.bausch@ohb.de