26-GHz data downlink and RF beacon for LEO in orbit demonstrator satellite

This paper examines a complete (on board, on ground) Low Earth Orbit system solution to allow Ka-Band propagation measurements and Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) demonstration through multiple ground stations. It provides a step towards the adoption of the 25.5 to 27GHz band for Earth Observation (EO) downlink from LEO. This paper contains key findings of an ongoing study conducted by SSTL and Viper RF for ESA with the ultimate goal of initiating a number of on board hardware developments and rapidly deploying this technology on small satellite platforms.