SpaceForest Strengthens Satellite Technologies – DRO Frequency Generator for Advanced Telecommunication and Radar Systems
SpaceForest has successfully delivered a set of components that, after completing full space qualification, will be used in research satellites. This marks an important milestone, confirming the company’s readiness to support the most demanding space projects — from design to the production of flight models.
From Design to Flight Model – All Under One Roof
The objective was to design and manufacture a set of compact frequency generators operating in the 14-15 GHz band. These devices are used to convert very high signal frequencies to lower intermediate frequencies for further processing and analysis. They are primarily applied in satellite communication and Earth observation systems.
The entire process – from technical requirements analysis, through design and prototyping of engineering models, to production, testing, and shipment — was carried out at SpaceForest’s headquarters in Gdynia, Poland. Manufacturing took place in a clean room environment, and the devices underwent a full range of space qualification tests, including thermal, thermal-vacuum, vibration, and electrical testing.
Advanced DRO Frequency Generator Technology in a Compact Form
At the heart of the developed devices lies a Dielectric Resonator Oscillator (DRO) — a specialized microwave frequency generator designed to provide ultra-stable, low phase noise signals without the need for an external reference source. This simplifies system architecture, increases reliability, and makes the solution ideal for demanding environments such as space.
The devices offer ultra-low phase noise and high spectral purity at very high frequencies, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of transmitted data. Notably, the 14-15 GHz signal is generated directly, without intermediate frequency multiplication stages, minimizing additional noise.
An innovative aspect of the project was the use of carefully selected automotive and commercial-grade components, including radiation-tolerant parts, which – through dedicated design procedures and testing – can reliably operate in the harsh space environment, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure.
Key Highlights
- Ultra-compact: 5 × 5 × 2.5 cm³
- Low power consumption: ~0.5 W
- High RF output level: > +10 dBm
- Low phase noise clean & stable signal
- High thermal stability reliable in harsh environments
- Highly integrated architecture
- COTS & automotive-grade components
- New Space approach space-grade at lower cost
Result of Years of Collaboration with ESA and European Partners
This commercial frequency generator development project builds upon SpaceForest’s extensive experience gained through previous European Space Agency (ESA) initiatives — including the design of ultra-low phase noise frequency generators (PLDRO) and redundant medium power signal sources (MLO), both of which achieved TRL ≥ 7.
Thanks to this heritage, SpaceForest possesses both the technical know-how and the infrastructure (including measurement facilities, simulations, and testing capabilities) required to design and manufacture space-qualified frequency generators in-house. As a result, the company has successfully produced a series of components that meet stringent satellite hardware standards and are ready to be launched into orbit.
Ready for New Challenges
This achievement confirms that SpaceForest is fully prepared to collaborate on projects requiring the manufacturing of space-grade hardware — for scientific, telecommunication, and radar systems alike. It represents an important step in strengthening national technological capabilities and demonstrates that advanced aerospace and satellite electronics can be designed and produced in Poland.