A Highly Efficient X-Band GaAs FET Power Amplifier for Broad-Beam Oceanography Satellite

The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), serve various purposes, including resource monitoring, disaster prediction & management and strategic applications. Development of Earth Observation satellite (EOS), dedicated to ocean monitoring is essential to support data for regional and global customers. Due to international and multi-user applications, the satellite requires a high-power amplifier for effective payload data downlink. A 24W GaAsFET-based power amplifier was designed to meet the link requirement for the satellite. Comprehensive electrical, power, thermal, and structural analyses were performed to ensure that the design of the amplifier system met the necessary specifications. The system has undergone the complete RF level Test and Evaluation (T&E) before integrating it into the satellite. Following the launch of the oceanographic Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) into orbit, the amplifier system has demonstrated exceptional performance.