Communications Satellites

Introduction

OTS-2 Pre-LaunchTesting

OTS-2 Pre-LaunchTesting

OTS-2 In Orbit - Artist's Impression

The OTS-2 Satellite In Orbit - Artist's Impression

I’ve worked on a number of communications satellite programmes ever since the 1970s when the world’s first 3-axis stabilised satellite carrying 6 Ku-Band transponders, OTS, was developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). I was a member of the project team at ESTEC which led the design and development of OTS, ECS, MAROTS, METEOSAT, OLYMPUS and more.

Some of the satellites and systems I’ve worked on include:

  • INMARSAT (MAROTS)
  • INTELSAT
  • EUTELSAT (ECS)
  • SKYNET
  • OLYMPUS
  • BSB
  • OTS
  • AEROSAT
  • METEOSAT

The military and commercial satellites involved operate at VHF (TT&C), UHF, L-Band, C-Band, S-Band, X-Band, Ku-Band, Ka-Band and EHF. I’ve got in-depth experience in the design and technology employed at all these frequencies, both on spacecraft payloads and in the earth stations.

The range of work undertaken has been extensive, from system design and study contracts, through equipment development to the management of spacecraft subsystem development contracts. The specific satellites and associated systems which we have been involved with, and the type of project responsibilities and work undertaken in each case are detailed under these Links: