The on-board processor for ITALSAT SS-TDMA multibeam package

The ITALSAT experimental and preoperative mission, whose purpose is to anticipate most of the new techniques suitable for the next generation of domestic digital communication satellites as well as to verify some new system concepts from technical and economical points of view, is discussed, along with its system communication architecture and services. The technological aspects of the on board based band switchboard (BBS) are described, together with the driving elements relevant to the design, development, and testing, at both unit and payload levels. The engineering model of the BBS has been tested and integrated in the payload. Mechanical, thermal, mass, and layout aspects concerning the BBS integration in the spacecraft are also discussed. The test results are presented and briefly discussed in order to show the measured data versus the requirements