ARAMIS satellite multiple beam payload

The European Space Agency has undertaken a number of programmes with industry investigating the use of multibeam phased array systems for the mobile satellite services. The most recent has been named ARAMIS (Advanced Repeater for Aeronautical and Maritime Integrated Services). As the name implies the spacecraft payload concept is to provide communication services (at L-band) to users at sea and in the air. Enhanced EIRP to the users is provided by spot beam and compatibility with existing Inmarsat Std A users is provided via a global beam. The direct radiating phased array is an elegant way of providing the required beam shapes and will also give full flexibility in allocating EIRP to the various beams. A block diagram of the payload is shown