Communication Satellite Payloads: A Review of Past, Present and Future ESA Developments

The successful launch of OTS in 1978 has demonstrated in orbit the capability of European Industry to produce a number of microwave "firsts" in the 14/11 GHz band. Some of these "firsts" e.g. parametric amplifier, downconverter and TWTA's are or will be reused in other satellites. Such equipment was the outcome of a preparatory programme started in the early '70 and intended to foster development of space hardware for the Ku band.