Celestia Callisto has announced that it has contracted with OHB Digital Connect to support their project to upgrade the Sardinia Deep Space Antenna.
The Sardinia Deep Space Antenna (SDSA) shares part of the infrastructure of the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) but also has its own equipment and a dedicated control centre to ensure communication with spacecraft for Near Earth and Deep Space missions.
OHB will be installing Celestia Callisto’s Cryocooled Feeds cryogenic LNAs in X and K bands for the Deep Space chains as part of the ambitious project. These Cryocooled units are each equipped with dual Sumitomo Heavy Industries cold heads, providing continual service and no maintenance down-time.
The cryo units are already installed in all three of ESA’s Deep Space antennas, doubling the antenna performance thanks to the improved reception quality.
For the Near Earth chains, Celestia Callisto will additionally supply their Cryogenic Compact LNA units in X and K bands. These units are plug-and-play cryogenic LNAs, offering up to 10 years of maintenance-free operation. The Compacts will offer a significant improvement in noise temperature while reducing down time and operational effort.