Precision RF testing for satellite hardware

Conducting RF testing on flight hardware presents distinct challenges inherent to the space industry. The process necessitates measurements with antennas attached to the complete satellite, leading to larger and more complex measurement systems compared to those used in other applications. Additionally, these antennas are typically fragile and sensitive to gravitational forces. Therefore, minimizing or ideally avoiding any movement of the antennas during testing is crucial for two primary reasons:

Firstly, it mitigates the risk of damage to the antennas; secondly, it allows for deployment in relation to a fixed gravity vector. Potential deformations of the antenna can be anticipated or corrected under such conditions, enabling characterization of the antennas in a stable and predictable state.

Planar near-field test systems offer an optimal solution for testing these antenna types, as they allow the test equipment to be operated and maintained in near-perfect isolation from the flight hardware under evaluation. NSI-MI's range of Vertical and Horizontal Planar Near-Field Systems can be tailored to fit various size specifications, frequency ranges, and measurement requirements essential for characterizing satellites along with their integrated antennas and communication payloads.