In collaboration with Planet Labs, SES utilized its O3b mPOWER satellite constellation in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Planet's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) flight-representative terminal to demonstrate data relay services. The demonstration included a stable data link, validating hardware, data flow, and end-to-end system performance, while reducing flight hardware and services risk. Planet's flight modem performance met expectations, achieving link budgets that matched predicted results.
This demonstration supports NASA's Funded Space Act Agreement, which allows for commercial space relay via Geostationary (GEO) C-band and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Ka-band satellites to spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The initiative helps NASA transition from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) to commercial systems, fostering a commercial market for space relay.
In late 2023, SES Space and Defense demonstrated Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) relay services through ground testing of a C-band "always on" channel using Planet's LEO flight-ready C-band terminal and SES's C-band GEO global beams.
"With this end-to-end test and demonstration of capabilities, we were able to successfully showcase a complete data flow through our LEO Relay System (LRS) service," said David Fields, President and CEO, SES Space and Defense.
"The data measurement results validated our multi-band commercial space relay service, set the stage for the flight demonstration as the next step, and for the future launch of the operational service offering. We are exceptionally proud of all involved in developing a multi-orbit, multi-band space relay for both government and commercial LEO operators as NASA's TDRS system retires."
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