Validation of ground technologies for future Q/V band satellite systems: The QV - LIFT project

With the aim of supporting satellite Terabit connectivity, the future generations of High Throughput Systems - HTS rely on the exploitation of Q/V band frequencies. These frequency bands offer the possibility to have larger bandwidth availability with respect to Ka-band systems, freeing the portion of the Ka frequency band that is currently allocated to feeder links and offering bigger portion of spectrum for specific services, such as the aeronautical in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) services. The design of a Ground Segment for Q/V band satellite communications presents however several technological challenges. The design of antennas, power amplifiers with high efficiency and Low Noise receivers are critical, nevertheless they are fundamental to support high data rate transmissions. Furthermore, to counteract atmospheric impairments, a system able to implement and manage a handover mechanism between gateways is also needed. A Ground Segment for Q/V band high throughput system has been conceived in the project 'Q/V band earth segment LInk for Future high Throughput space systems' (QV-LIFT), funded by the European Commission in the framework of the Horizon 2020 program. The consolidation of crucial technologies for new generation satellite communications is addressed, with the objective to ensure space accessibility to Europe and, in particular, to foster technology readiness of European industries in space related sectors. This paper provides the description of key hardware and software developments for next generation HTS systems operating in Q/V band, based on core technologies for both ground and user segments currently under development for the QV-LIFT project. The system test architecture which will be used to validate the developed technology and functionalities is also presented, together with the overview of the project status and validation plan.