High data rate 8PSK transmitter for X-band payload telemetry

Up to now, telemetry systems for Earth observation satellites have had to rely on QPSK modulation. Alcatel has developed, in co-operation with CNES, a new telemetry system based on trellis-coded 8PSK modulation, offering a 622 Mbps download capability in the X band (8025-8400 MHz). This telemetry system is used on the Pleiades observation satellite. The proposed modulation format is recommended by CCSDS for Earth exploration satellite missions, and standardised in the frame of ECSS. This paper presents the telemetry architecture and test results