A dual frequency-band, dual bit-rate payload concept for communications satellites

This paper summarizes the main results of a Telespazio study for ESTEC, which describes the application of a dual bit-rate, dual frequency-band SS-TDMA system concept in a European regional context. The motivation behind the work is to trade-off the effects of increasing payload and system management complexity against total system advantages. The study results verify that, in the European region, multiple spot beams with SS-TDMA may be needed in the future, exploiting both the 30/20 and 14/12/11 GHz frequency bands. Moreover, it may be advantageous to operate with two bit rates, allowing these to be interconnected on-board the satellite. The on-board arrangements and the time plan related problems, which are found to be significant, are also presented.