TTP has developed an innovative intersatellite data relay terminal and omnidirectional antenna designed to provide continuous connectivity for LEO SmallSats, overcoming the limited communication windows traditionally available through ground stations.
The LEGERA™ terminal establishes a constant data link between LEO satellites and Earth via geosynchronous (GEO) satellite relays, using Viasat’s global L band network. This enables on demand, near real time telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) communications, supporting faster tasking and data access for defence, Earth observation and other space applications.
TTP’s intersatellite data relay and omnidirectional antenna ensures continuous connectivity for LEO SmallSats.
The terminal’s first deployment was aboard TYCHE, an Earth observation satellite for UK Space Command built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Developed and manufactured in the UK, LEGERA™ combines a compact, low SWaP-C design with commercial off the shelf hardware to support rapid development and integration.
Its omnidirectional antenna eliminates the requirement for active beam steering, allowing SmallSats to maintain automatic communication links while conserving power for primary mission functions. Measuring 300 × 160 × 30 mm and weighing 1.35 kg, the terminal consumes 8 W in receive mode, with peak power consumption of 38 W, and supports data rates of up to 200 kbps.
TTP says LEGERA™ could support emerging applications including defence, Earth observation, active debris removal and IoT connectivity, giving satellite operators greater control and access to data.
