Proposal for a Geostationary Microwave Amateur Radio Payload

The aim of this paper is to discuss the mission concepts and broad technical requirements for an amateur microwave payload to be placed in a geostationary Earth orbit. The approach taken describes, with justifications, a baseline communications transponder operating within the amateur satellite service. In addition, we look at the potential to augment the transponder functions by adding a low risk method of adding processing or coding gain to encourage software design and improve link budgets. We also examine how the higher microwave bands of 24-76GHz+ and some experimental systems can be added. An Earth facing camera is suggested for educational outreach, and we briefly examine the potential of other high altitude non geostationary orbits that may be suited for an amateur payload Finally, “Beyond the Bent Pipe” by Martin Ling M0LNG,from the Dec 23 edition of OSCAR News. Martin discusses past and possible future transponder designs.

Read full proposal here: https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ESA-GEO-proposal-AMSAT-UK.pdf