EUTELSAT multimedia satellites

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Fenech, H.T. | Pujante‐Cuadrupani, A. | Lance, E.

Affiliations: EUTELSAT, Future Satellite Systems Group, 70, Rue Balard, 75015 Paris, France Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47; Fax: +33 1 53 98 49 99; E‐mail: {hfenech,apujante,elance}@eutelsat.fr

Note: [] Corresponding author.

Abstract: Multimedia spacecraft typically are required to have a high G/T and a high EIRP, at least for communications with user terminals on both the uplink and downlink, to allow for small and low cost user terminals on ground. This explains why the future of multimedia satellites will probably take place at Ka‐band. On‐Board Processing is widely considered for this type of spacecraft in order to efficiently use satellite power and to meet connectivity requirements. It is relatively easy to meet the RF and connectivity requirements if the system includes a single beam on the downlink or on the uplink. As the coverage is enlarged, the RF requirements are met by limiting the size of each spot and consequently, a multi‐spot system is required to cover the full service area. However, meeting the connectivity requirement becomes more complicated. With Skyplex, EUTELSAT became the pioneer for the commercial exploitation of On‐Board Processing (OBP). From Hot BirdTM 4 to Hot BirdTM 6, the evolution of EUTELSAT's Skyplex OBP units has shown a constant improvement in flexibility, number of channels processed and link budget gain. The future of OBPs for multimedia applications could go through the utilisation of standards like the DVB‐RCS and DVB‐S (Direct Video Broadcast – Satellites), respectively for uplink and downlink, that now offer the system designer a tool box to design a system compatible with standard user terminals, and the achievement of connectivity requirements.

Journal: Space Communications, vol. 17, no. 1,2,3, pp. 145-164, 2001