Sampie Booysen
Co-founder and CTO
We deeply value their personalized service. From facilitating valuable connections within the global space industry, to providing valuable market insight reports, working with satsearch has significantly influenced our sales processes.
The platform allows us to present our communication systems to the right audiences at the right time. We are especially grateful for how the program has accelerated our business growth.
Astrid Kjeldal
Sales Manager & Team Lead
When working on the commercialization of space, it is essential to make the procurement process as easy and uncomplicated as possible, and this is where satsearch offers an excellent marketplace for the space industry and helps give a great overview for the customer of what the market has to offer.
As a satellite supplier and a satsearch partner, we have had many sales inquiries through satsearch, many of whom are our customers today.
Alberto Ordaz Acero
BD Manager
Satsearch is a must for satellite products and services suppliers to showcase their catalogue effectively, resulting in increased visibility and sales opportunities.
The great team behind satsearch also helps connecting with a global network of potential customers and bringing great monthly reports.
Thomas Yen
CEO
We have worked with satsearch since the early days of Tensor Tech and it has always been an important partner for us.
Unlike how sales traditionally works in the space industry, satsearch provides a transparent way for buyers to look for suitable suppliers and products.
I believe they have truly fostered the growth of the industry.
Tensor Tech, as a user, has also enjoyed the way we update our information, monitor the traffic for data analysis, and attract more international clients.
Ronnie Nader
Chief Designer and Director of Space Operations
Ever since we signed up for satsearch back in 2019 it was an immediate hit and it has been a game changer for us.
The people involved really want their users to succeed, they do understand the industry and the market and not only that, but for providers, the relationship has been a constant feedback about what works and what does not, who is who in the landscape and all that knowledge serves to improve the platform and the quality of the leads.
We also have other leads providers, so we can compare, and none gets to the level of satsearch. In short, satsearch works, period.
Struan Johnston
Director
It has become a well known supply chain platform for the industry and a great place to find and compare different suppliers in a fraction of the time.
As a manufacturer of satellite components, we have grown our reach and audience using satsearch as a marketing channel, and met many of our customers via satsearch for the first time.
Sampie Booysen
Co-founder and CTO
We deeply value their personalized service. From facilitating valuable connections within the global space industry, to providing valuable market insight reports, working with satsearch has significantly influenced our sales processes.
The platform allows us to present our communication systems to the right audiences at the right time. We are especially grateful for how the program has accelerated our business growth.
Astrid Kjeldal
Sales Manager & Team Lead
When working on the commercialization of space, it is essential to make the procurement process as easy and uncomplicated as possible, and this is where satsearch offers an excellent marketplace for the space industry and helps give a great overview for the customer of what the market has to offer.
As a satellite supplier and a satsearch partner, we have had many sales inquiries through satsearch, many of whom are our customers today.
Alberto Ordaz Acero
BD Manager
Satsearch is a must for satellite products and services suppliers to showcase their catalogue effectively, resulting in increased visibility and sales opportunities.
The great team behind satsearch also helps connecting with a global network of potential customers and bringing great monthly reports.
Thomas Yen
CEO
We have worked with satsearch since the early days of Tensor Tech and it has always been an important partner for us.
Unlike how sales traditionally works in the space industry, satsearch provides a transparent way for buyers to look for suitable suppliers and products.
I believe they have truly fostered the growth of the industry.
Tensor Tech, as a user, has also enjoyed the way we update our information, monitor the traffic for data analysis, and attract more international clients.
Ronnie Nader
Chief Designer and Director of Space Operations
Ever since we signed up for satsearch back in 2019 it was an immediate hit and it has been a game changer for us.
The people involved really want their users to succeed, they do understand the industry and the market and not only that, but for providers, the relationship has been a constant feedback about what works and what does not, who is who in the landscape and all that knowledge serves to improve the platform and the quality of the leads.
We also have other leads providers, so we can compare, and none gets to the level of satsearch. In short, satsearch works, period.
Struan Johnston
Director
It has become a well known supply chain platform for the industry and a great place to find and compare different suppliers in a fraction of the time.
As a manufacturer of satellite components, we have grown our reach and audience using satsearch as a marketing channel, and met many of our customers via satsearch for the first time.
Browse the latest capabilities that qualified buyers
are looking for on satsearch right now
Please use this information to identify suitable manufacturers or products for a complete matched X-band feed assembly and provide budgetary pricing, lead time, RF performance data and mechanical/interface information where available.
Main reflector diameter: 5 m
Surface profile: paraboloid
F/D: approximately 0.317
X-band receive frequency: 8.025–8.400 GHz
Polarisation: dual circular RHCP/LHCP, simultaneous preferred
Axial ratio: ≤0.75 dB across band, ≤0.50 dB preferred
Cross-pol isolation: ≥25 dB, ≥30 dB preferred
Rx/Rx isolation: ≥30 dB, ≥35 dB preferred
VSWR: ≤1.35:1, ≤1.25:1 preferred
Insertion loss: ≤0.35 dB, ≤0.20 dB preferred
Edge illumination taper: -10 to -12 dB, preferably matched to the reflector optics
Preferred Rx interface: WR-112 / CPR-112G, or suitable alternative
Maximum feed mass target: <12 kg
Quantity: 1 evaluation/prototype unit, with an option for production units
| Section | Parameter | Minimum Buyer Requirement / Value | Notes / Document Reference |
| Project / Mission Requirements | Required Delivery Date (Flight) | 2028 | e.g., Q3 2028 |
| Quantity Required | TBD | e.g., 2 Flight Units + 1 Engineering Model | |
| Target Cost Per Unit | - | e.g., $400,000 | |
| Mission Lifetime | 5 Years | e.g., 5 Years | |
| Target Orbit / Altitude | LEO / 600-800 km | e.g., LEO / 550 km Sun-Synch | |
| 2. Technical - Optical | Laser Wavelength | 1550 nm | e.g., 1550 nm (C-band) |
| Interoperability Standard | SDA Tranche 1 | e.g., SDA Tranche 1 / CCSDS | |
| 2. Technical - Performance | Data Rate (Tx / Rx) | 1- 10 Gbps | e.g., 2.5 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps |
| Link Distance (Range) | Up to 5,000 km | e.g., Up to 5,000 km | |
| 2. Technical - SWaP-C | Mass (Weight) | ≤ 10 kg | e.g., < 15 kg |
| Power Consumption (Peak) | < 75 W | e.g., < 80 W (Operational) | |
| Volume / Envelope Dimensions | < 250 x 250 x 250 mm | e.g., 300 x 250 x 200 mm | |
| 2. Technical - Interfaces | Data Interface | Ethernet | e.g., SpaceWire / OIF / Ethernet |
| Electrical / Power Input | 28 VDC regulated | e.g., 28V DC regulated | |
| Mechanical Mounting | TBD | e.g., 4x M5 bolts, nadir-facing | |
| 2. Technical - Pointing | Field of Regard (FoR) | TBD (Optics will be decided later) | e.g., Azimuth: ±90°, Elevation: ±45° |
| 3. Environmental | Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | at least TRL 6-7 | Minimum TRL 6 (Flight proven preferred) |
| Operational Temperature | LEO conditions | -20°C to +55°C | |
| Survival Temperature | -40°C to +75°C | ||
| Random Vibration (Launch) | TBD (Launch Vehicle specs) | e.g., 14.1 grms (or specific launch vehicle spec) | |
| Radiation Tolerance (TID) | TBD (Will be similar for LEO 600 - 800 km) | e.g., 30 krad (Si) absorbed dose | |
| Component Screening Level | TBD | e.g., NASA Level 2 / ECSS Class 2 | |
| 4. Deliverables | 3D CAD Model (STEP format) | Yes | Required at Preliminary Design Review (PDR) |
| Electrical Interface Control Document (ICD) | Yes | Required at Critical Design Review (CDR) | |
| Software/Firmware ICD | Yes | Required at Critical Design Review (CDR) | |
| Thermal / Structural FEA Models | Yes | Required at Critical Design Review (CDR) | |
| End-of-Line Test Reports | Yes | Required prior to shipment | |
| Certificate of Conformance (CoC) | Yes | Required at delivery |
| # | Parameter | Requirement | Response |
| 1 | Physical Properties | Payload Mass (kg) | 2.3 kg |
| 2 | Payload Volume (U or m3) | 1.5U | |
| 3 | General | Payload type e.g. RF, EO (RGB, HS, MS IR) | SSA |
| 4 | Desired orbits e.g. SSO, near-equatorial | Mid-Inclination (preferred), or SSO | |
| 5 | Desired altitudes e.g. 550 km | 500-550 km | |
| 6 | EPS | Payload continuous power (W) | 25W |
| 7 | Payload peak power (W) | 40W | |
| 8 | Payload duty cycle per orbit (%) | TBD with the provider | |
| 9 | Payload voltage supply e.g. 3V3, 5V, 12V | 12-36 V | |
| 10 | RF | High-speed downlink required e.g. > 5 Mbps? | X-Band (preferred), S-Band (minimum requirement) |
| 11 | Daily data budget (Mb or Gb) | TBD | |
| 12 | Encryption required on TTC or payload data e.g. AES-256? | ||
| 13 | Interfaces | Bus to payload interfaces required e.g. CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, RS422, RS485, PPS | CSP 1.6 over CAN & UART
|
| 14 | On-board data storage requirements? | No on-board data storage required | |
| 15 | ADCS | Payload Pointing Modes when active e.g. Nadir | Nadir Pointing, Satellite Tracking (optional) |
| 16 | Pointing Accuracy | Better than 1 deg/s | |
| 17 | Pointing Knowledge | Better than 0.5 deg/s | |
| 18 | Slew Rate (°/s) requirements? | ||
| 19 | GPS required for position, velocity knowledge? | GNSS log is required during operation |
Searching for a CCSDS-compatible S-band transceivers.
Uplink shall comply to CCSDS 231.0-B-4 & 232.0-B-4. For channel coding, only BCH coding is required. BCH may operate in checksum mode (ie: SECDED mode is not required). If part of the framing layer needs to be implemented on the customer side, that is acceptable, as long as the unit at minimum extracts transfer frames. Uplink data rate up to 100 kbps.
Downlink shall comply to CCSDS 131.0-B-6 & 132.0-B-3. For channel coding, 1/2 rate convolutional coding + RS(255,233) w/interleaving is required. If part of the framing layer needs to be implemented on the customer side, that is acceptable, as long as the unit can consume transfer frames. Downlink data rate up to 1 Mbps.
TID hardening is not required, but the system shall be resilient to SEEs (ie: SEU, SEL) up to 600 km.
Looking to procure 5 EMs & 5 FMs. If the unit operates satisfactorily, this may lead to a long-term engagement of 5-10 FMs/year starting in 2030.
| Technical Parameter | Unit / Format | Buyer Specification (Input Fields) | Technical Guidance & Reference Standards |
| MISSION & ORBIT PROFILE (POWER CONTEXT) | |||
| Orbit Type | Dropdown | LEO | e.g., LEO, MEO, GEO, Deep Space |
| Maximum Eclipse Duration | Minutes | 45 | Longest period without solar illumination per orbit |
| Mission Lifetime | Years | 2 | Required operational lifespan for degradation calculations |
| POWER GENERATION (SOLAR ARRAYS) | |||
| Required End-of-Life (EOL) Power | Watts | 12 | Minimum power required at the end of the mission |
| Solar Array Type | Dropdown | Deployable (Fixed) | e.g., Body-mounted, Deployable (Fixed), Deployable (Steerable) |
| Solar Cell Technology | Dropdown | Triple-Junction GaAs | e.g., Silicon, Triple-Junction GaAs, Perovskite |
| POWER STORAGE (BATTERIES) | |||
| Total Battery Capacity | Watt-hours (Wh) | 74 | Required energy storage capacity |
| Battery Chemistry | Dropdown | 21700 Li Ion | e.g., Li-Ion (18650/21700), Li-Po, NiCd |
| Maximum Depth of Discharge (DoD) | % | 20 | Max allowed DoD to meet cycle life requirements |
| POWER CONDITIONING & DISTRIBUTION (PCDU) | |||
| Bus Voltage Architecture | Dropdown | Unregulated | e.g., Unregulated, Regulated, MPPT |
| Nominal Bus Voltage | Volts (V) | 8 | Operating voltage of the main power bus (e.g., 5V, 12V, 28V, 100V) |
| Number of Switched Load Lines (LCLs) | Count | 8 | Number of switchable and protected output channels |
| Hardware Protections Required | Text | Over-current | e.g., Over-current, Over-voltage, Under-voltage lockout |
| MECHANICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL | 8 | ||
| Maximum Mass Allowance | Kilograms (kg) | 6 | Total mass budget for EPS (including batteries & PCDU) |
| Form Factor / Standard | Text | CubeSat PC/104 | e.g., CubeSat PC/104, Custom Chassis, 19" Rack |
| Operating Temperature Range | Celsius (°C) | "-20C to 45C" | e.g., -40°C to +85°C |
| Total Ionizing Dose (TID) Tolerance | krad (Si) | 20krad | Radiation tolerance requirement (e.g., >20 krad) |
| INTERFACES, QUALITY & DELIVERY | |||
| Telemetry & Command Interface | Dropdown | CAN, RS485 | e.g., I2C, CAN, RS-422, RS-485, SpaceWire |
| Quality / Screening Level | Dropdown | COTS | e.g., Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS), NASA Class B, ECSS Class 3 |
| Target Delivery Date (Flight Model) | YYYY-MM-DD | 01.08.28 | Expected hardware delivery date |
| SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS | |||
| Procurement Scope | Turnkey Complete Ground Terminal | Turnkey Complete Station, Antenna Subsystem Only, RF Front-End Only, Baseband Upgrade | |
| Quantity Required (Sites/Terminals) | 1 | Number of antenna systems / ground terminal installations | |
| Target Lead Time (ARO) | 2 | [Months] Time from Order to Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) | |
| Export Control Classification | Dual-Use Regulated | ITAR, EAR, or ECCN code (High-power amplifiers / tracking radars) | |
| Technology Readiness / Heritage | Field-Proven COTS (>5 Sites) | Field-Proven COTS (>5 operational sites), Modified COTS, Custom Design | |
| ANTENNA & PEDESTAL MECHANICS | |||
| Antenna Aperture Diameter | [Meters] Reflector diameter (e.g., 2.4m, 3.7m, 5.0m, 7.3m, 11m) | ||
| Pedestal Kinematic Mount Type | Az/El Mount (Standard) | X-Y Mount (Overhead pass optimized, no zenith keyhole), Az/El, 3-Axis (Az/El/Tilt) | |
| Azimuth / Primary Axis Travel | [Degrees] Continuous 360°, ±270°, or full travel range | ||
| Maximum Tracking Angular Velocity | ≥ | [deg/sec] Slew/tracking rate (e.g., >15 deg/s for LEO overhead tracking) | |
| Maximum Tracking Acceleration | ≥ | [deg/sec²] Acceleration capability during keyhole or fast passes | |
| Pointing / Tracking Accuracy | ≤ | [Degrees (RMS)] Total systematic & random pointing error (e.g., ≤ 0.03° RMS) | |
| Radome Requirement | None (Open-Air Exposed) | None (Open-air), Rigid Space-Frame Radome, Air-Supported/Inflatable | |
| RF FRONT-END (UPLINK & DOWNLINK) | |||
| Operating Frequency Bands | UHF/VHF | S-Band (Tx/Rx), X-Band (Rx only), S/X Dual-Band, X/Ka Dual-Band, Ka-Band, Tri-Band | |
| Downlink G/T (Gain-to-Noise Temp) | ≥ | [dB/K] System G/T at 5° or 10° elevation under clear sky | |
| Downlink Polarization | Dual Circular (RHCP+LHCP Simultaneous) | RHCP, LHCP, Dual Simultaneous (RHCP+LHCP), Linear (H/V) | |
| LNA / LNB Subsystem Redundancy | 1:1 Redundant (Hot Standby Auto-Switch) | 1:1 Redundant (Auto-switchover), Single (Non-redundant), 1:2 Redundant | |
| Uplink Transmit Power (HPA / SSPA) | as per datasheet | [Watts] RF power at feed input (e.g., 50W, 100W, 200W, 500W, TWTA) | |
| Uplink EIRP (Effective Isotropic) | ≥ | [dBW] Calculated or required transmit EIRP | |
| Tracking Mode Support | Program Track (Ephemeris/TLE) | Program Track (TLE/Ephemeris), Step Track, Monopulse / Conical Scan | |
| BASEBAND, MODEM & DIGITAL IF | |||
| Modem Architecture | Dedicated COTS Rackmount Modem | Digital IF / SDR (DIFI IEEE-ISTO 4900), Dedicated COTS Rackmount Modem, Hybrid | |
| Maximum Downlink Ingestion Rate | [Mbps / Gbps] Net payload throughput support (e.g., 500 Mbps, 1.2 Gbps) | ||
| Modulation & Demodulation Support | Multi-Scheme SDR | BPSK/QPSK, Multi-APSK (DVB-S2/S2X), OQPSK, FM (Telemetry) | |
| Ranging & Doppler Tracking | None (Communications Only) | Tone Ranging, PN Code Ranging, High-Precision Doppler, None required | |
| Ground Data WAN Interface | Local NAS Archival | 10GbE / 100GbE Direct Cloud Egress, Secured Dedicated Fiber, CCSDS SLE Gateway | |
SAIL PERFORMANCE & KINEMATICS
- Deployed Surface Area: ≥8 m^2
- Host Spacecraft Initial Orbit (Altitude): 500 km
- Host Spacecraft Initial Orbit (Inclination): 45 deg
- Host Spacecraft Total Mass: <300 kg
- Calculated Deorbit Time: ≤5 years
