The DAVID satellite payload

The LEO-based multi-experiment DAVID scientific mission of the Italian Space Agency is presently undertaking phase B activities. It aims at testing the viability of the exchange of large amounts of data through a W-band user link and a Ka-band inter-orbit link and the effectiveness of resource sharing techniques to countermeasure propagation channel behaviour. A general view of the DAVID payload is presented with emphasis on functional capabilities, architecture design, and involved new technologies.