When Should You Test Ground-Station Antennas? (Download)

Both space and the ground segment for satellites have become considerably more complex over recent years. This significantly increases the risk of errors on the ground, which can have a ripple effect on the whole satellite ecosystem. While most of the industry agrees that it’s necessary to test before deployment, there’s less clarity on when further testing should occur within an antenna's operational life. This lack of a standardized framework for testing antennas is a growing challenge for the industry.

To ensure that antennas are operating efficiently and effectively for the duration of their operational life, it’s essential that they’re tested beyond the standard factory and site acceptance tests. Though testing on a continuous basis every few months throughout an antenna’s entire life may not always be feasible from a financial or practical perspective, testing at critical points throughout an antenna’s lifecycle is manageable and will bring significant benefits.