Technological piggybacks: a way to prepare the future of communication satellites
- Paper number
IAC-08.B2.6.2
- Author
Mr. Jean-Didier Gayrard, ThalesAlenia Space, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Lionnel Pelenc, Thales Alenia Space France, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Eric Bélis, Thales Alenia Space France, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Thierry Dargent, Thales Alenia Space France, France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The communication satellite business is facing the competition of terrestrial networks where techniques and technologies keep progressing at a sustained rhythm. New technologies are the true opportunities for the communication satellites to improve and enhance their competitiveness, to adapt to the evolving needs of satellite operators and to create new applications. Compared with other areas of Research and Development, R and D in space communication is mainly characterized by costly and lengthy developments for a small number of satellites delivered per year (few units). This sets a real problem regarding the return on R and D investment. Technological satellites are the best way to explore, to evaluate and qualify new technologies, but they demand a tremendous financial effort for satellite manufacturers, operators and space agencies. Technological piggyback is a scaled-down alternative to technological satellite: a small advanced payload or piece of equipment is embarked on a satellite as a test bed. There are three types of technological piggybacks: new product or service, experimentation and measurement in orbit, heritage acquisition. There are several types of flight opportunities for technological passengers: micro or nano-satellites dedicated to research, institutional technological satellites and also commercial satellites. Thales Alenia Space, as a satellite manufacturer, is willing to propose to customers (operators, agencies) technological passengers for embankment on GEO communication satellites. Mostly free of additional charges for the satellite landlord, a technological piggyback has several benefits for the space community including the satellite landlord.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)