Celestia Satellite Test & Simulation (C-STS) products

The Multi-Purpose Interface Platform (MPIP) is a modular, scalable electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) that enables space equipment builders and integrators to test and simulate spacecraft electrical and data interfaces in a fast, flexible and cost-efficient manner. The MPIP typically is connected directly to the spacecraft sub-system via the harness and is used to test and/or simulate various electrical and data interfaces of the flight sub-systems e.g. On-Board Computers (OBC), Power Conditioning units (PCDU), Instrument Control Units (ICU) and any other payload or platform elements.

The TMTC Front-End is a telemetry (TM) and telecommand (TC) unit which provides direct control of spacecraft, using baseband interfaces during spacecraft development, assembly, integration, test (AIT) and launch phases.  The TMTC typically connects to the spacecraft On-Board Computer (OBC) or Central Data Management Unit (CDMU) via the direct bypass interfaces or via an RF SCOE.  The TMTC Front-End is used for spacecraft onboard computer testing, flight Transponder or communicate with spacecraft before the launch.

The WizardLink Front-End provides high-speed serial interfaces to spacecraft flight equipment. The Front-End is used during spacecraft assembly, integration and test phase to test and validate satellite flight equipment. Typically, the WizardLink Front-End connects to a Payload, Mass Memory Unit, Laser Communication Terminal or RF Transponders. This Front-End operates as a data source (transmit), data sink (receiver) or both at the same time.

The TTC-IMBU (Integrated Modem and Baseband Unit) is a TT&C Modem for AIT (Modulator/Demodulator) allowing direct control and monitoring of the spacecraft in EGSE environments, such as RF SCOE’s and for use in operational ground stations.

The Instrument SCOE is a turn-key system providing electrical and protocol interfaces to a satellite Instrument (camera, synthetic aperture radar, etc.)  during development and AIT of the Instrument. Instrument SCOE sometimes called Payload SCOE allows operating stand-alone Instrument through the electrical interface that is later provided by the spacecraft. Typically, these SCOE’s provide power, control signals (discrete, serial, bus) interfaces and monitor the instrument. In addition to the physical interfaces, the SCOE also uses the spacecraft communication protocols, timing, sequences, etc and can include automated sequences. The SCOE can be operated stand-alone through the local GUI or connected to an overall test system such as a CCS via the remote (LAN) interfaces.

Radio Frequency Special Check-Out Equipment (RF SCOE) is an integrated system that is used to validate the RF subsystems of a satellite during integration and testing. As most satellite RF subsystems are unique per satellite, the RF SCOE is based on a combination of C-STS standard Onboard, RF Interface, and Software products in combination with COTS equipment to meet the customer requirements. Most commonly this RF subsystem is integrated into an overall 19” rack. However, C-STS has also delivered elements for integration into the RF SCOE as a sub-contractor.

The RF Suitcase is an integrated RF subsystem for ground station and satellite radio frequency compatibility testing (RFCT). The RF Suitcase (or RFS) integrates part of the real spacecraft RF chain into a transportable system that can generate representative Telemetry at RF level and receive Telecommands.

The TT&C-IMBU (Integrated Modem and Baseband Unit) is a TTC Modem (Modulator/Demodulator) proving Telemetry, Tracking, and Command services for operational ground stations. The same equipment can also be used during spacecraft AIT during transponder, COMS equipment testing or as part of an RF SCOE.

The TT&C Processor (TTCP) is an advanced Telemetry Tracking and Command Processor. Developed for ESA with BAE Systems (UK), C-STS (Netherlands), Zelinda (Ireland), SciSys (Germany) and ATOS (Austria).

The Optical Digital Converter (ODC) provides reception and processing functionality of digital bitstreams output by free-space optical (FSO) receiver modules, capable of receiving data rates of up to 10Gbps.