Tripod antenna pointing mechanism for Ø220 mm high-gain X-band parabolic antennas with 1 deg accuracy, 3 DOF (Az/El/Zoom), 360 deg azimuth, and 10-year LEO lifetime.
3POD Antenna Pointing Mechanism
Tripod antenna pointing mechanism for Ø220 mm high-gain X-band parabolic antennas with 1 deg accuracy, 3 DOF (Az/El/Zoom), 360 deg azimuth, and 10-year LEO lifetime.
Description
The Comat 3POD is an innovative tripod antenna pointing mechanism developed with CNES, designed to orient a 220 mm high-gain parabolic X-band antenna for Earth observation satellites. Its parallel architecture (3 stationary actuators on the baseplate) delivers very low jitter and 3 degrees of freedom (Azimuth, Elevation, Zoom). Supports dual polarization via 2 RF cables without slip rings. Provides 2 Gbps data throughput with less than 1.5 dB insertion loss. Station transition in 8 s average. ITAR-free, ECSS-compliant.
Specifications
| Pointing Accuracy | 1 deg (worst case) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Pointing Speed | 5 deg/s (tracking mode) |
| Elevation Range | +/-74 deg |
| Azimuth | 360 deg continuous |
| Data Rate | 2 Gbps (<1.5 dB insertion loss) |
| Initialization Time | <15 seconds |
| Station Transition | 8 s average / 25 s worst case |
| Orbital Lifetime | 10 years (LEO) |