the russian space systems holding company (rks, part of the state corporation roscosmos) is developing a data transmission technology using radiophotonics for use in the equipment of promising relay satellites. the innovations solve the problems of flexible and broadband frequency conversion within the satellite repeater, as well as reduce the weight and size of the equipment of new satellites.
For frequency conversion and switching of radio channels in a satellite repeater, a converter with a radio-photon core, radio-frequency input and output sections is created. The use of this technology significantly expands the technical capabilities of promising telecommunications satellites for radio signal retransmission. Radiophoton equipment differs from traditional radio-frequency equipment by high noise immunity, resistance to the effects of space factors, optimal mechanical and energy characteristics (light weight, mechanical flexibility, reduced volume, low power consumption).
head of development of a multi-band frequency converter for an on-board satellite repeater, leading research engineer andrey shcherbinin:
In the field of ultra-wideband data transmission systems, radiophoton and optical devices have a number of advantages over traditional radio frequency devices. System created on the basis of radiophonic technology, not affected by external electromagnetic fields, and have much greater transmission distance and bandwidth of the signal. At the same time, data transmission occurs with minimal loss of satellite communication signals.
Relay satellites are used for information support of rocket and space technology, transmission of a television signal between television centers, retransmission of signals of space navigation systems, communications, rescue and other tasks.
