Context:

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites (SmallSats) have traditionally been limited in their ability to communicate with Earth, restricted to brief windows when passing over ground stations. This limits real-time data transfer and on-demand satellite control, both crucial for applications in defence, earth observation, and in-space operations.

Solution:

To enable uninterrupted LEO SmallSat connectivity, TTP designed and manufactured a space-qualified data relay terminal with associated omnidirectional antenna, the first of its kind in Europe. This low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) terminal connects LEO SmallSats and Earth through geosynchronous (GEO) satellite relays, utilizing Viasat’s global L-band network.

Result:

The LEGERA™ terminal launched on TYCHE, an Earth observation satellite for UK Space Command built by SSTL. This groundbreaking technology provides on-demand, near real-time telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) communications, by establishing a constant data link between LEO SmallSats and GEO satellites. It offers rapid response capabilities for defence applications and enhances control and telemetry for LEO satellite operators.

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LEO satellites have typically been limited in their ability to send data to Earth, only able to connect when orbiting past a ground terminal. SSTL are excited to be part of this innovation in space technology with TTP, jointly developing the data relay Inter Satellite Link (ISL) in the UK that can constantly and reliably provide a connection with Earth, via GEO satellites to enable on demand tasking and quick access to data in an accelerating world.
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Rob Goddard
Director of Engineering, SSTL

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Read TTP's full press release here.

Client's mission

SSTL aims to push the boundaries of satellite technology and enhance the capabilities of LEO SmallSats. By partnering with TTP, they sought to overcome the limitations of traditional LEO satellite communications and enable constant, reliable connections with Earth.

Rapid development

TTP leveraged its decades-long expertise in satcom terminal development to create a compact, power-efficient, and robust data relay terminal. The team used commercial-off-the-shelf hardware to ensure cost-effectiveness and rapid development.

Enhanced efficiency and reliability

The terminal's omnidirectional antenna eliminates the need for active beam steering, allowing satellites to focus their power on primary operations while maintaining automatic communication links. This design choice significantly enhances the efficiency and reliability of LEO SmallSat operations. 

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Supporting new applications

TTP's LEGERA™ data relay terminal is poised to transform LEO SmallSat communications across various applications. It will enable advancements in earth observation, active debris removal, IoT connectivity, and defence operations. The terminal's and antenna’s compact size and versatility enable quick adoption and integration into existing and future SmallSat platforms, facilitating rapid scaling of enhanced LEO communication capabilities. 

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In this ‘New Space’ age, we’re proud that our terminal, which uses commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, is soon to be space-borne. It builds on TTP’s heritage in the development of satcom terminals for a wide range of applications and is manufactured in the UK, a member of the Five Eyes alliance. The terminal’s compact size makes it suitable for small satellites, so it can quickly be applied to a range of use cases such as earth observation, active debris removal and IoT connectivity. Ultimately, we’re giving LEO operators greater telemetry capabilities and control over their satellites by enabling commands to be sent and received at any time.
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Lewis Davies
Satellite and Space System Architect at TTP

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Key features of TTP's LEGERA™ data relay terminal

LEGERA™ has a compact size of 300x160x30mm, weighing only 1.35kg, it's remarkably lightweight for its capabilities. The terminal is power-efficient, consuming 8W in receive mode with a peak consumption of 38W. It offers a data rate of up to 200kbps. Manufactured in the UK, it's particularly suitable for Five Eyes alliance applications, ensuring security and reliability in sensitive operations.