SMILE Radio Amateur Antenna
ESOC-2 is one of SMILE’s antennas. It is a radio amateur antenna supporting UHF. It is located at ESOC and usage can be requested by ESA member state business, university, institute or organisation to explore methods of operating their small satellites, ground stations or other related activity.
ESOC-2 is a dual cross-Yagi antenna for the 70 cm amateur radio UHF frequency band, capable of tracking satellites in LEO.
It is located on the ESOC premises on a rooftop with good visibility in any direction. It is free to use and included in the SMILE structure and within that each interface can be accessed for validating new concepts of operation.
Specifications
ESOC-2
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency range [MHz] | 432-438 MHz |
| Polarization | RHCP/LHCP (switchable) |
| Antenna Gain [dBi] | 14 @ 435 MHz |
| Figure of merit (G/T)[dB/K] at 5 degree | -11 (in controlled environment) |
| 3 dB beam width | 40 degree |
| EIRP at 435 MHz [dBW] | 34 |
| Azimuth Max. speed | 20 degree/s |
| Elevation Max Speed | 20 degree/s |
| Rotation Ranges | Azimuth: 0 degree-540 degree Elevation: 0 degree-90 degree |
| Tracking mode | Closed loop program tracking |
| Total weight | 355 kg |