Rohde & Schwarz custom-designed Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) test bench integrates advanced RF instrumentation to simulate and analyze satellite payload performance under realistic conditions—this solution is engineered to accelerate development cycles, reduce errors, and scale validation across R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance environments.
The new test bench is the result of the collective know-how of the four companies. Expleo’s systems engineering for their AIT (assembly, integration and testing) and RF test systems expertise, proven in delivering test solutions for numerous Space programs, have been combined with Connektica’s aerospace-grade MES platform for AIT automation, NANOWAVE Technologies’ high-reliability RF subsystems with more than 6,500 transmit/receive modules, and precision test and measurement instrumentation aligned to EN9100 standards from Rohde & Schwarz.
Valentin Martelet, Space Offer Lead, Expleo, said, “With more and more organisations trying to leverage the unique benefits which space data can unlock for their businesses, accelerating time-to-market and operational efficiency of satellite development is of huge importance to the industry. This test bench is the composite of niche and in-demand expertise from four industry leaders, which has been proven time and again on successful space missions.”
Ralph Kirchhoff, Market Segment Manager Aerospace & Defence at Rohde & Schwarz, said, “Modern satellite payloads demand a holistic approach to testing, moving beyond component-level verification. Rohde & Schwarz is proud to contribute instrumentation that facilitates comprehensive, system-level validation within this innovative test bench. By ensuring the cohesive performance of the entire setup, we’re helping to accelerate the delivery of reliable and high-performing satellite solutions.”
Jeremy Perrin, CEO, Connektica, said, “[This] is a blueprint for industrialising payload validation: system-level testing with the AIT workflow automated, data unified, and repeatability built in from day one.”
Ralf M. Bertenburg, VP Sensor Technologies and SW Development at Nanowave, said, “As a designer and manufacturer of highly reliable RF payload assemblies it is mandatory to have fast and reliable test capabilities because of the vast amount of evaluated data points per unit necessary to qualify for their critical and demanding mission in space. We are happy to support this activity with one of our latest K/Ka-band Transmit/Receive assemblies that is used in high quantities on huge satellite constellations today.”
