How MMIC Technology is Improving Satellite Transponders

Fiftecen years afier their fir-st deimonstitdion. MMICs are now rrapidis coniquerinig the world of space electronics, The driving force behlinid MMIC development have been miniaturization. cost reduction and higher reliability. MMICs have first been introduced into GEO Telecommunication satellites with a new generation of compact equipment. After these first convincing demonstrations. MMICs have now become an absolute necessity for turning into reality future satellites with active antennas. observation radars or future systems such as LEO constellations. The paper presents several major achievements for space programs and discusses about procedures to fly these advanced microclectronics.