Introducing C-Band Operations Using a Low Cost Test Platform

Abstract

Changing from L/S-Band to C-Band requires not only new equipment. Even the characteristics of the new frequencies just as the new frequency environment are a challenge for the operations in this bands when changing from a well-known frequency environment to a unknown new one. This paper describes the way used at Airbus Defense and Space Flight Test Ground Station to get experience with new equipment and to learn more about the new environment. Repeatable and comparable tests allowed training for the operators and the optimization of the equipment and procedures with the new environment. Although many of the problems or features observed during the tests where expected in advance, but even unexpected results could be identified.