In this post, we provide an overview of S-band antennas and share details of several commercially-available products on the global market – if you’re familiar with the technology and would like to skip the introductory material to get straight to the product listings, please click here.
About the S-band
The Earth-space communication link is critical to every satellite mission and operational capability.
Various options for communication equipment are available and we have written about some of them on our blog including X-band transmitters, S-band transmitters and optical communication systems.
In this article, we discuss the S-band and use of antennas in satellite communication, as well as presenting a variety of commercially-available products from around the world.
The S-band is a section of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum that covers frequencies in the range 2 to 4 gigahertz (GHz).
It is officially designated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and crosses the conventional boundary between the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Super High Frequency (SHF) bands at 3.0 GHz.
In 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US approved satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) broadcasting in the S-band from 2.31 to 2.36 GHz in 1995. This range is currently used by Sirius XM Radio.
The S-band has also been heavily employed by NASA to communicate with the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS).
The FCC has also approved the use of sections of the S-band between 2.0 and 2.2 GHz for the creation of Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) networks.
In 2009, the European Commission (EC) awarded portions of the S-band to Inmarsat and Solaris Mobile (a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES, now EchoStar Mobile) to develop pan-European MSS services.
The S-band is also popular for smaller satellites, as it is simpler to use than UHF/VHF bands from a regulatory standpoint.
S-band communication antennas
In order for ground stations to communicate effectively with spacecraft in orbit, satellites need effective and accurate antennas.
S-band antennas can be mounted on different parts of the spacecraft, depending on the application and communications preferences of the mission.
The devices are often treated to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) effects, which can damage or destroy the antenna due to solar flux. This is particularly an issue for polar orbits, even at low orbit.
Wideband antenna designs enable engineers to define the desired range and order of operating frequencies at a later stage, unlike patch antennas, as they aren’t dependent on a pre-defined, narrower frequency allocation.
Key performance criteria to consider
When selecting the right S-band antenna for your equipment and mission, there are several key criteria that should be taken into account.
We recommend a simple 4-step approach for the preliminary selection of an S-band antenna for your mission, as explained below:
- Specify your exact mission parameters,
- Record all known relevant design specifications of the satellite,
- Consider the range of technology that will be used in the system, which the antenna will need to interface with, and
- Take into account the key performance criteria.
Key performance criteria for S-band antennas include specifications such as:
- Frequency range
- Gain
- Beam width
- Mass
- Directional requirements
S-band antennas on the global market
In this section, you can explore S-band antennas available on the global marketplace for space.
This list will be updated when new products are added to the global marketplace for space – so please check back for more or sign up for our mailing list to get all the updates.
We also have market segment overviews of S-band transmitters and X-band transmitters if you are looking for a transmission solution too.
In addition, if you are looking to pair your selected antenna with the right ground segment option for your mission requirements we have also published an overview of ground station service providers.
You can click on any of the links or images below to find out more about each of the solutions. You can also submit a request for information (RFI) on the product pages or send us a general query using our RFI tool to discuss your specific needs, and we will tap into our global network of suppliers to find a system to meet your specifications.
PULSAR-DATA series are compatible with our low profile patch antenna. They meet CubeSat Design Standard height limitations for mounts on the exterior chassis and are available in both LHCP and RHCP.
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The AAC SpaceQuest AC-2000 is a turnstile circular polarized S-band antenna for microsats and smallsats. The antenna has a built-in ground plan and can include an optional protective cover. This robust design is ideal for applications where true circularity and low elevation angle performance are required.
The ANYWAVES Compact S-Band TT&C Antenna features a wide frequency band for satellite applications. It is an ultra-compact antenna featuring radiation characteristics at high elevation angles. The antenna has the capability to withstand harsh thermal environments. Its right and left-handed circular polarization can also be used simultaneously.
The ANYWAVES S-Band TT&C Antenna - Test Cap compatible version is specially designed to meet the demands of satellite constellations. It is suitable for use in Low Earth Orbit platforms and operates both in transmission for telemetry and in reception for telecommand. The antenna's wide beam coverage also enables significant satellite availability for the TT&C link. It weighs approximately 139 grams and has the capability to operate in temperatures ranging between -120degC to 120degC.
The Cubecom SANT S-band Patch Antenna is a circularly polarized nanosatellite patch antenna operating in the 2.2-2.29 GHz space-to-earth band. The system has been precision-engineered to limit the physical antenna dimensions and ensure seamless integration with nanosatellites, with multiple mounting options available.
The EnduroSat S-Band Antenna ISM is an S-band antenna that is adaptable and can be mounted on any side of a CubeSat structure featuring wide beam, high gain, left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) antenna. The circularly polarized antenna complies with the CubeSat standard.
The EnduroSat S-Band Antenna Commercial is a S-band antenna featuring wide beam, high gain and stacked patch with two feeding points allowing the usage of either LHCP or RHCP. The circularly polarized antenna complies with the CubeSat standard and is designed to be mounted on the Z side of a CubeSat structure.
The Endurosat S-Band Antenna Wideband is an antenna operating in the frequency Ranges of 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz.
The EXA SSA03 is a S-band patch antenna with high gain and a bandwidth of up to 30 MHz. The system is suitable for missions that need greater speed and/or bandwidth separation capabilities and great flexibility on the final frequencies selection. Integrated user selectable choice between LCHP and RHCP and center frequency choice between 2220 and 2260 MHz is available.
The EXA SSA02 is the power-amplified version of the SSA01 wide bandwidth S-band antenna than can accommodate a bandwidth of up to 195 MHz
The IQ Spacecom S-Band Patch Antenna is designed for pico and nano satellite applications featuring circular polarization and high gain. The antenna provides satellite to ground communication link and fit in a 1U CubeSat. The circular polarization of the antenna increases robustness of the steering accuracy to the ground station antenna. The system has achieved various flight heritage with TRL9.
The PlaneWave PW2020-110 is a high-performance uplink S-Band Dual-CP RX Omni Antenna designed for TT&C applications. It features an axial ratio over the entire frequency band, making it ideal for demanding and reliable space communication links. This antenna is suitable for multiple space applications, including LEO, MEO, and GEO. It is lightweight and easy to integrate. It is also available with Test Hats to facilitate testing and integration.
The PlaneWave PW2222-101 is a high-performance downlink S-Band RHCP TX 2x2 Antenna designed for TT&C applications. This antenna is suitable for a variety of space applications in LEO, MEO, and GEO. It features an axial ratio over the entire frequency band, making it ideal for demanding and reliable space communication links. It is lightweight and easy to integrate. It is also available with Test Hats to facilitate testing and integration.
The PlaneWave PW2222-110 is a high-performance downlink S-Band Dual-CP TX Omni Antenna developed for TT&C applications. This antenna is suitable for a variety of space applications in LEO, MEO, and GEO. It features an axial ratio over the entire frequency band, making it ideal for demanding and reliable space communication links. It is lightweight and easy to integrate. It is also available with Test Hats to facilitate testing and integration.
The PlaneWave PW2020-000 is an Active S-Band RHCP RX Omni Antenna designed for space applications. It is a high-performance uplink antenna designed for TT&C applications in harsh space environments. It features an excellent axial ratio over the entire frequency band, making it ideal for demanding and reliable space communication links.
S-Band TTC antennas for satellite control and monitoring come in two main variants: Generation 3 Helix antennas and Patch Excited Cup (PEC) antennas.
ReliaSat offers a range of Patch Antennas, available in L-band, S-band, X-band, Ku-band and Ka-band.
The TechApp Consultants S-band patch antenna is a S-band 2x2 patch array antenna scalable to a larger version with shaped radiation beam or pattern and higher gain. The system is designed to achieve an excellent axial ration by employing a sequential feeding mechanism.
Thanks for reading! If you would like further help identifying an S-band antenna for your specific needs, you can file a request on our platform and we’ll tap into our global network of suppliers to help you pinpoint the right choice.
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