Orbital Research Advances Space-Rated X-band and Ka-band Converter Technology with CSA Support

Orbital Research is proud to recognize the support of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in advancing our next-generation space-rated RF converter technologies. Over the past several years, CSA-supported development work has enabled Orbital Research to design, fabricate, and validate flight-representative Ka-band and X-band Up/Down Converter (UDC) subsystem prototypes for CubeSat and small satellite platforms, while strengthening Canada’s domestic capability in advanced space electronics and resilient communications systems.

 Key achievements from CSA's STDP 8.0 program include:

  • Successful development and validation of multiple integrated Ka-band and X-band prototypes including Block UpConverters (BUC), Block DownConverters (BDC), Bi-directional Amplifiers (BDAs) and X-band patch antenna. 
  • Wideband Ka-band architecture supporting 21–31 GHz operation, with ongoing expansion toward 17–31 GHz
  • Radiation Ka-band testing completed at TRIUMF using a 105 MeV proton beam representative of a 5-year Low Earth Orbit mission environment
  • RF performance remained stable post-irradiation with no measurable degradation in conversion gain, phase noise, noise figure, or spectral response
  • Demonstration of modular, reconfigurable filter architectures supporting software-defined payload concepts and future mission flexibility
  • Canadian and international interest in collaborations with these products 

“CSA's STDP 8.0 program helped accelerate Orbital’s long-term vision of developing compact, high-performance space-rated RF subsystems designed and built in Canada,” said Ian McEachern. “We are grateful for CSA's support in helping Canadian companies advance innovative technologies that strengthen the domestic space ecosystem and position Canada for future mission opportunities.”

Looking Ahead

Beyond the initial technical objectives, the project also advanced CubeSat mission integration concepts, thermal and mechanical subsystem development, and future flight demonstration planning. Orbital Research is continuing development of its space-rated RF subsystem roadmap with future efforts focused on higher TRL validation, integrated subsystem architectures, and space missions. As demand grows for resilient communications, Earth observation, and software-defined satellite payloads, Orbital remains committed to strengthening Canada’s position in advanced RF technologies for next-generation space missions.

Orbital Research gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canadian Space Agency, whose contribution was instrumental in enabling this work. Learn more about Orbital’s space-rated RF product developments at Orbital Research or call us for more information about our space-rated products.


Back to blog