In orbit measurements of satellite communication payload

After the successful launch of a communication satellite, a series of measurements is performed to verify and identify if any of the performance parameters are degraded or changed. The results of these tests are a valuable database during the life of the satellite for traffic studies and for future anomaly investigations. The authors describe the satellite communications payload in-orbit test facility design, measurement methods, limitations, and data processing. The functional and operational capability including software and hardware used in testing two recently launched (Anik E) dual-band operational satellites in a multiple antenna configuration is outlined