Microwave Technology for Space Application: A Fast Evolution to be Competitive

In the last years the satellite applications have seen a strong increase in the space hardware demand for commercial communication services like FSS, BSS making use of GEO birds and Mobile (MSS) mainly using LEO/MEO satellites. Next wave is the design and development of wideband systems for multimedia communications and for internet either to provide backbone where the fiber is not available and to offer the service in emerging markets. The design of radiofrequency, microwave and millimeter wave equipment is rapidly evolving to allow the equipment manufacturers to compete in the new market. High performance, low production costs, compressed lead-time and reduced product life cycle are today´s constraints. The paper presents the evolution in the design and application of microwave technologies for on-board space application with particular emphasis to the use of gallium arsenide MMICs, silicon-based highly integrated RF IC, advanced interconnection and packaging techniques. A view of the last generation microwave equipment designed and built in Europe is given together with a look to the future technology road maps.