Callisto is proud to announce further work orders with ESOC for 2006 : the provision of a set of three cryogenic X Band LNAs for the Kourou ESTRACK station.
ESOC requires to improve the G/T of the Kourou 15m ESTRACK antenna in X Band to be able to support Deep Space missions. By using the 77K compact cryo LNA the G/T should be improved by between 1.5 and 2dB.
A compact cryo cooled X Band LNA based on a Stirling cycle refrigerator operating around 77K physical temperature has been developed by Callisto and the University of Southampton, Institute of Cryogenics. Since the completion of the main development the prototype has been under a long duration reliability test at Callisto and has now been operating continuously for over 18 months as a demonstration of reliability of the cold head.
(see Callisto's Compact LNA page).
This delivery is schedule for Autumn 2006.