Name of the Project: “Establishing RT-16 S-band uplink and downlink RF to IF chain for TT&C service”

Project No: 4000131327/20/NL/SC

Project Acronym: RTGS

Funded by: European Space Agency's Programme for European Cooperating States (PECS)

Project Submitter: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Engineering “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VUAS IE VIRAC)

Scientific Supervisor of the Project:  Electronics Engineer Mārcis Donerblics

Project Duration: From July 1, 2020 or from the date of signing the contract until October 31, 2021 (16 months, 2 report periods)

Brief Qualitative Description and Aim of the Project:
The aim of the project is to start adapting the RT-16 radio telescope to dual applications: for both radio astronomy and satellite communications, to increase the competence and competitiveness of VUAS IE VIRAC experts in the space technology industry, as well as to strengthen cooperation with the experienced space industry representative – Swedish Space Corporation (SSC).

The project envisages the development of transceiver equipment uniquely suitable for the RT-16 radio telescope: An S-/X – band irradiator, a cryogenically cooled S-band receiver, an S-band transmitter suitable for radio communications, as well as a frequency up and down conversion unit.

It is also planned to test the operation of this equipment in the work environment, testing real support for space missions.

Equipping the RT-16 radio telescope with such equipment, it is possible to adapt it to dual applications – both radio astronomy and satellite communications, thus establishing a new development direction for VUAS IE VIRAC and strengthening the Latvian space technology industry, as well as promoting VUAS IE VIRAC and Latvia cooperation with the European Space Agency.

Project Funding: EUR 199,053.00, consisting of:

• Share of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences: EUR 166,181.00
• Share of the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC): EUR 32,872.00

Project Scientific Supervisor - Mārcis Donerblics, marcis.donerblics@venta.lv
Project Manager for Administrative matters - Ieva Kozlova, ieva.kozlova@venta.lv