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The W-Cube Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite mission, launched in summer 2021 from the initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using W-band (75 GHz) and Q-band (37.5 GHz) frequencies as feeder link channels for next-generation broadband satellite systems.
Designed to assess new frequency bands that can expand the capacity of global satellite communications, W-Cube enabled interactive satellites to connect to the internet through these high-frequency channels. On the user side, services remain compatible with Ka- and Ku-band equipment, which benefit from widely available and cost-effective hardware.
The mission was carried out in partnership with a consortium of leading European institutions and companies:
VTT – payload development
Kuva Space – satellite bus and satellite operations
Fraunhofer IAF – Q- and W-Band Front-End modules
University of Stuttgart – link budget and channel analysis
Luis Cupido Technologies (LCT) – ground stations (antenna, tracking and down converters)
JOANNEUM RESEARCH – project management, beacon receiver and data processing
The W-Cube mission has achieved a world first by successfully transmitting a 75 GHz dual-circular polarized beacon from space, received at the Graz ground station. Another measurement ground station was also commissioned at VTT in Espoo, Finland. Short term measurements were done also at ESA ESTEC (Noordwijk, NL).
Over the course of four years, the CubeSat mission has delivered extensive measurements of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) channel behavior, including the influence of atmospheric conditions such as rain attenuation. These results have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, providing a significant advance in the design, construction and operation of satellite systems in these frequency ranges.
As the mission reaches its conclusion, the 3U CubeSat is expected to safely deorbit between 1st and 4th October this year. Upon re-entry, the spacecraft will fully disintegrate in the atmosphere, ensuring no debris reaches Earth’s surface.
Looking ahead, the next step will be to extend these pioneering efforts to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). Measuring a W-Band beacon from GEO will enable continuous 24/7 observations, paving the way for the development of robust, high-capacity satellite broadband systems.
“W-Cube has broken new ground by demonstrating the use of W-Band frequencies from space for the first time,” said Arturo Martin Polegre, ESA Technical Officer for the project. “As we conclude this mission with a safe deorbit, the knowledge gained will directly shape the design of future satellite communication systems, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of innovation in space.”
Project Manager Michael Schmidt emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement: “The success of W-Cube reflects the high level of expertise and commitment of all partners involved. Through this strong collaboration, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when European organizations work together towards a common vision, pushing the boundaries of satellite communications.”
The team likes to thank the national ESA delegations from : Austria, Finland, Germany and Portugal for supporting this historic mission.
About Fraunhofer IAF
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of III-V semiconductors and synthetic diamond. Based on these materials, Fraunhofer IAF develops components for future-oriented technologies, such as electronic circuits for innovative communication and mobility solutions, laser systems for real-time spectroscopy, novel hardware components for quantum computing as well as quantum sensors for industrial applications. With its research and development, the Freiburg research institute covers the entire value chain — from materials research, design and processing to modules, systems and demonstrators. https://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/en.html
https://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/en/media-library/press-releases/esa-cubesat-demons... – Read the press release on the Fraunhofer IAF website
https://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/en/media-library/press-releases/satellite-transmit... – Press release on the mission start in 2021
https://connectivity.esa.int/projects/wcube – Read the project profile on the ESA website
W-Cube transmitted test signals in the W and Q bands (75 and 37.5 GHz) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to e ...
Copyright: © Fraunhofer IAF
Mock-up of the W-Cube satellite
Copyright: © Fraunhofer IAF
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W-Cube transmitted test signals in the W and Q bands (75 and 37.5 GHz) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to e ...
Copyright: © Fraunhofer IAF
Mock-up of the W-Cube satellite
Copyright: © Fraunhofer IAF
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