SANSA Introduces Ku Band Antenna for Satellite Testing

October 4, 2013

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has announced the introduction of a Ku band antenna at its space operations facility in Hartbeesthoek, near Brits. This new 10-meter Ku band antenna, along with supporting In-Orbit Test (IOT) equipment, will assist clients in successfully commissioning new satellites.

SANSA’s initiative to introduce this antenna stems from a growing demand by satellite owners for ground facilities equipped to test the in-orbit communications performance of new geostationary satellites.

The antenna boasts impressive uplink performance, specified with an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 85 dBW, and downlink performance better than 35 dB/K.

SANSA is also actively working towards the construction of South Africa’s third satellite, EO-SAT1, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing space technology and capabilities.

About SANSA

South Africa’s space landscape underwent a significant transformation with the launch of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) on December 9, 2010.

SANSA is structured as follows:

• Corporate Office: Oversees the overall operational capability of SANSA.
• Earth Observation Directorate: Currently based in Hartebeesthoek.
• Space Operations Directorate: Formerly the Satellite Application Centre, located in Hartebeesthoek.
• Space Science Directorate: Formerly the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, located in Hermanus.

Website: www.sansa.org.za/