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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SPACEFIT (SPAce-CompatiblE- Filters_in_dIelectric waveguide Technology)

Teaser

Summary

The goal of SPACEFIT project was to investigate the possible introduction into the space market of miniaturized and low mass RF filters and multiplexers in L and S bands for satellite applications. They are based on TM mode Dielectric Resonators and can replace the input/output filters that are present in large numbers in most Tx/Rx satellite units. The SPACEFIT Filters will allow to drastically reduce the device dimensions and weight (up to 50%) while maintaining high performance (Q factor > 3000) and low cost (< 20%) as compared to std technologies.

Work performed

A technical analysis and a deep study of the satellite manufacturing market have been performed. They confirmed that the market is in continuous evolution, with approx 115 satellites per year to be launched worldwide over the next 8 years (2016-2023) and $248 billion revenue expected from manufacturing and launch. The Mobile Satellite Services market is considered as a first killer application for the SPACEFIT Filters, since it will demand for high number of GEO/LEO satellites and high number of Filters for each satellite. RF Microtech (RFM) targets at a share of 7% of the total addressable GEO/LEO market, focused on civil and commercial applications. The estimation foresees a prudential number of 60 Filters per satellite and 15 satellites to be served in the next three years by the SPACEFIT filters, leading to a mass reduction of about 7Kg per satellite and cost saving of Tx/Rx unit of about 18kâ‚¬. For RFM this will translate in a turn over and a revenue increase of 40% in three years (5 new employees and 1,4Mâ‚¬ revenue). Furthermore, the analysis identified the main technical risks and solutions, and confirmed that RFMâ€™s solution is competitive over std and emerging technologies. It can be patented. Key partnerships have been identified and contacts established with potential customers and satellite integrators. Finally, the market trend showed that, in perspective, the C, Ku and Ka bands will have to be considered for the same market segment, since it is in continuous growth and the SPACEFIT Filters can easily be scaled in such frequency bands.

Final results

RFM will pursue the business idea and proceed with the completion of the technical development, qualification and commercialization of the SPACEFIT filters. A complex business plan has been built and a technical and financial strategy has been defined for entering the space market with L/S band input/output filters for satellite constellations for mobile telecommunications.