QuadSAT has completed an antenna validation mission with space services operator, Telespazio. Using the QuadSAT drone-based system, the company tested a large, 17 meter antenna situated at Fucino Space Center in Italy. Other capabilities of QuadSAT drone-based testing solution, such as ground station tracking performance analysis, were also demonstrated as part of the mission.
QuadSAT worked with Telespazio to perform the radiation pattern measurements of the antenna which, due to its size, QuadSAT carried out careful planning and a detailed site survey ahead of the mission. The measurements were taken from a nearby mountain peak situated 12 km from the antenna.
The radiation pattern measurements enabled QuadSAT to provide Telespazio with important data about the performance of the antenna, as well as extracting information on the shape and size of the main beam and level and position of sidelobes. This has enabled the operator to ensure the antenna is operating at optimum efficiency.
“We believe that innovation is the true driving force of Telespazio’s business, for this reason we have established a multi-year cooperation with QuadSAT. Our 60-years’ experience in space domain, together with the QuadSAT system, gave positive results to measure our 17-meters antenna. We were really impressed about this innovative approach that has the potential to dramatically reduce the challenges and costs normally associated with testing.”
— Emanuele Belloni, Installation, Integration and Test Manager, Telespazio
“Quality assurance and reliability are critically important for satellite communication service providers like Telespazio, and this is achieved through effective and reliable testing of the ground segment. This campaign has demonstrated how our drone-based system can be used as an alternative to existing fixed beacon-based methods for testing large antennas. The mission has also enabled Telespazio to accurately test and verify one of its large antennas in a cost-effective way.”
— Andrian Buchi, Chief Technical Officer, QuadSAT
About the company
QuadSAT is an innovative, venture-backed, technology company delivering a ground-breaking solution that is revolutionizing how RF equipment is tested and verified around the world. The firm’s accurate, drone-based, mobile method that can be deployed on-location to manage and optimise the world’s radio spectrum. With this game-changing technology, QuadSAT is delivering cost- and time-efficient testing and verification of RF equipment, making it scalable and accessible globally, without compromising on quality. QuadSAT has already worked with a number of major players, including SES, OneWeb, and the European Space Agency, amongst others. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital, IQ Capital, and Danish state Vaekstfonden.
