Microwave power module for space applications

Microwave power modules (MPMs) were originally developed to satisfy requirements for extremely small, medium to high power amplifiers for a variety of conventional military and commercial applications. MPM technology has recently been enhanced to yield a proven space-qualified amplifier. This achievement is the result of a four-year development effort by Officine Galileo B.U. Spazio, Milan Plant (OG/MI, former FIAR S.p.A. Space Division). The space-qualified MPM was developed under an R&D contract from ESTEC and subsequently qualified using a dedicated engineering qualification model (EQM). The EQM produced 150 W at Ku-band and was manufactured with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and internal company funding. A brief description of the space qualified MPM is presented followed by the qualification test program and principal test results.