High-T/sub c/ superconductivity in satellite systems: a technology assessment

Present and future communications satellite payloads can benefit from high temperature (77/spl deg/K) superconductivity (HTS) technology. Reduction in weight, size, and RF loss are some of the benefits. By comparing present HTS technology with that of existing and future spacecraft conventional beamforming networks, this paper demonstrates that HTS should be considered for the next generation of communications satellites. The paper also discusses methods that will thermally isolate the HTS from the ambient systems.