Evaluation of the next steps in satellite high power amplifier technology: Flexible TWTAs and GaN SSPAs

The satellite high power amplifier industry is at a crossroads as several new technologies are now available, offering significant advantages to satellite communications payload design. These benefits are weighed against the strong requirement for flight heritage and general aversion to change in an industry where on orbit anomalies can be devastating to a business plan. Several papers have been presented in recent years concerning these technologies. This paper examines the following two very promising opportunities and offers a perspective on their potential for widespread satellite application: flexible linearized-TWTA, galium nitride (GaN) SSPA.