(C17) Antenna Connection Test

On 28/05, the Antenna Connection Test (ACT) was successfully performed. This test is performed to validate the connection of the top antennas' already mentioned in a previous message (C13). For this test, the Spacecraft is configured  very close to  its  flight configuration: Solar Array Panel (SAP) protections have been removed, as well as few Non Flight items that could interfere with the test.The horns on the RF mast are facing the spacecraft top antennas'. The set up of this test can be seen below.

Credits: ThalesAleniaSpace

Claude and Anthony from the ThalesAleniaSapce team preparing the ACT

During the Antenna Connection Test, top antennas' (TT&C and TPA) are tested in emission (S-Band TTC and L-Band TPA) and reception (S-Band TPA). As the Spacecraft is emitting, the procedure requires to check the electromagnetic field a certain distance of the spacecraft during the test.

Credits: ThalesAleniaSpace

Patrick form the ThalesAleniaSpace team measuring the electromagnetic field around the spacecraft