TTP’s intersatellite data relay terminal to be launched into space by SSTL

The terminal, the first of its kind manufactured in Europe, can provide a constant link between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites (SmallSats) and Earth through a geosynchronous satellite relay.

The low SWaP-C space-qualified terminal will be launched shortly in the US on Tyche, an Earth observation satellite for UK Space Command built by SSTL, and will be used for defence applications.

The terminal provides a data link between a LEO SmallSat and GEO satellites using Viasat’s global L-band network. This enables constant on-demand ground contact for LEO satellites, rather than being restricted to the short windows that open when LEO satellites travel over ground stations. The terminal unlocks true intersatellite links and provides rapid response, near real-time Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) communications, and data transfer.

The terminal’s antenna is omnidirectional, meaning it doesn’t need to be steered to track GEO satellites to communicate with them. The satellite’s power can be purely focused on its primary operation and the link will be maintained automatically.

Lewis Davies, Satellite and Space System Architect at TTP, said: “In this ‘New Space’ age, we’re proud that our terminal, which uses commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, is soon to be space-borne. It builds on TTP’s heritage in the development of satcom terminals for a wide range of applications and is manufactured in the UK, a member of the Five Eyes alliance. The terminal’s compact size makes it suitable for small satellites, so it can quickly be applied to a range of use cases such as earth observation, active debris removal and IoT connectivity. Ultimately, we’re giving LEO operators greater telemetry capabilities and control over their satellites by enabling commands to be sent and received at any time.” 

Rob Goddard, Director of Engineering at SSTL, said: “LEO satellites have typically been limited in their ability to send data to Earth, only able to connect when orbiting past a ground terminal. SSTL are excited to be part of this innovation in space technology with TTP, jointly developing the data relay Inter Satellite Link (ISL) in the UK that can constantly and reliably provide a connection with Earth, via GEO satellites to enable on demand tasking and quick access to data in an accelerating world.”

Todd McDonell, Head of International Government at Viasat, said: “Persistent satellite connectivity is critical for defence and military operations. Using the strength of Viasat’s global L-band network, this new terminal from TTP will help unlock greater data relay capabilities for LEO operators than previously available. Whether it’s for disaster recovery, rapid tasking or monitoring remote mission environments, defence organisations need access to real-time data as military operators on the ground can’t afford to wait an hour for LEO satellites to pass over a ground terminal to receive data.”

The terminal has a data rate of up to 200kbps, is 300 x 160 x 30mm and weighs 1.35kg. In receive mode (Rx) it has a power consumption of 8W, with a peak consumption of 38W.