Reference Projects

Vertex Antennentechnik was responsible for the complete development and implementation of the mechanical antenna structure, including:

• Overall system and detailed design of the 6 m telescope, including the reflector structure, support structure, drive system and tracking system.
• Precision manufacturing and factory pre-testing under controlled conditions to ensure maximum surface accuracy and positioning precision.
• Logistics, assembly and installation at an elevation of more than 5,600 metres, including alignment and calibration of the reflector segments.
• Commissioning, performance verification and handover to the international operating consortium as agreed.

• The system is designed for temperatures down to −20 °C and high wind loads, and is optimised for assembly in high-altitude mountain conditions.
• The reflector is aligned with micrometre-level precision and optimised for submillimeter wavelengths down to 200 µm.
• Full-motion tracking: high-precision servo and control systems enable accurate target tracking and astronomical scanning motions.
• The telescope performs a key function as the central instrument of the CCAT-prime Observatory and serves as a platform for state-of-the-art submillimeter cameras and spectrometers.

Our company specialises in high-precision antenna technology and ground station solutions for deep-space and space applications. Drawing on many years of experience in these fields, we delivered the following services:

• Technical system and detailed design of the 20 m antenna systems, including mechanical structure, motion and tracking system, high-precision surface geometry, and thermal and structural simulations under demanding environmental conditions.
• Precision measurement, factory testing on motion test benches, and securing of components in accordance with aerospace standards during manufacturing and factory acceptance testing to ensure the highest quality standards.
• Logistics, on-site assembly and coordination of installation activities, including foundation interfaces, erection, piping, RF integration and system commissioning.
• Commissioning and handover, including system calibration, alignment and tracking tests, RF performance verification (X-/Ka-band), and a handover protocol confirming operational readiness for the client.
• Support to the client in project and supply chain management, quality management and schedule logistics for a globally distributed network.

• The antenna systems were developed specifically for the demanding requirements of lunar communications. They meet lunar relay requirements and support the objectives of NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Sites (LEGS) programme. Key features include full-motion azimuth/elevation operation and dual-band capability (X-/Ka-band).
• By leveraging our proven expertise from demanding telescope and deep-space ground station projects, we were able to meet stringent requirements for tracking accuracy, structural stability and dynamic motion performance.
• The project underlines our leading position as a provider of large antenna solutions for missions in Earth orbit and beyond, and demonstrates our capability to deliver globally distributed infrastructure projects in the space sector.

As a specialist provider of antenna and ground station systems, we delivered the following services:

• System and detailed design of the tri-band antenna systems, including structure, mechanics, tracking, reflector geometry and frequency optics (S-/X-/K-band).
• Manufacturing, precision factory testing and quality verification at the factory or in pre-assembled configuration.
  • Logistics, assembly and installation at the Neustrelitz site, including foundation interfaces, erection, RF integration and commissioning.
• System calibration, alignment and tracking tests, and RF performance verification across all three frequency bands.
• Handover to the client with operational readiness, documentation and training.

• Fully steerable system (azimuth, elevation and tilt) suitable for real-time reception from modern Earth observation and relay satellites.
• Tri-band capability: enables control and data services across multiple frequency ranges with high efficiency, including the use of K-band to support satellite data relay services.
• Significant increase in data capacity: the new antenna can receive up to four times more data than previous systems at the site.
• Contribution to the expansion of the global ground segment for Earth observation and time-critical data applications, including maritime security.

• Delivery of 7–9 m class turning-head antennas, including mechanical components, precision reflector and drive/control system.
• Factory testing and precision measurement prior to delivery, including RF acceptance and tracking tests.
• Logistics coordination and support for on-site integration in Cairo, including commissioning and handover documentation for the operator or integrator.

• Turning-head concept for robust GEO communications, providing high reliability for station-to-satellite TT&C and broadcast services.
• Modular, factory-tested design reduces on-site effort and accelerates handover and operational readiness. The plug-and-play approach supports antenna sizes up to 13.5 m.

The delivery strengthened the capacity of NILESAT’s ground infrastructure for Ku-/Ka-/TV-broadcast and operational functions. For CPI Vertex, the project represents an important reference in the satcom and broadcast sector.