A New Approach to Satellite Communications

In the Heinrich Hertz satellite mission, which will be launched in 2020, the DLR Space Administration (German Aerospace Center) plans to develop and operate a German communications satellite. The chief objective of the mission is the scientific validation and testing of payload technologies in space.

The mission will test whether particular novel modulation techniques and waveforms lend themselves to onboard processing. Another objective is to test onboard switching techniques including IP over Satellite. Among other things, the satellite will carry a 30-GHz receiving antenna and a 20-GHz transmitting antenna for broadband communication with fixed terminals and even mobile devices. This necessitates the development and integration of technologies for use both onboard the satellite and on the ground.