EECL partnered with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) on a consultancy project to design a high performance RF front end for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydroGNSS mission. HydroGNSS, part of ESA’s Scout program, aims to deploy a spacecraft capable of capturing both direct and reflected GNSS (GPS and Galileo) signals. This innovative approach, known as GNSS reflectometry, uses these signals as passive radar to measure critical environmental parameters such as biomass, soil moisture, forestation, and more. The system is now flying and producing critical climate data.
EECL’s engineering expertise resulted in a highly optimized RF front end, delivering exceptional performance with an ultra-low noise figure to meet the mission’s stringent requirements. The success of the design phase led to a significant milestone: at Space-Comm Expo 2022, EECL signed a contract with SSTL to manufacture and deliver nine flight-ready payload units. Following rigorous environmental testing, all nine units were delivered on schedule, exemplifying EECL’s commitment to precision and reliability.
The HydroGNSS mission leverages a bistatic radar concept, utilising GNSS-reflected signals to conduct hydrological measurements. These include monitoring soil moisture, freeze/thaw states over permafrost, above-ground biomass, and wetlands—contributing valuable insights to global environmental studies.
EECL takes immense pride in being a key contributor to the HydroGNSS mission, showcasing our capability to deliver innovative solutions for complex space challenges.
RF Space Payload Ground Testing
How do you test a complex payload with 18 RF connections at Ka Band?
Lunar Mission Payload Development
We were contracted by ESA to design a SpacePNT GPS receiver destined for the moon. The project is now fully delivered
ESA HydroGNSS
We signed the delivery of 6 flight units at SpaceComm Expo. All modules are now flying with exceptional results
University of Surrey 6G Test System
We delivered a precision RF switch box linked to GPS timing for 6G demonstration
ESA Radiation Testing
We undertook a radiation test campaign for ESA where we validated all ICs that we are flying to the moon in 2026 on Lunar Pathfinder
Starcloud : XBand LNB
We went from conception to delivery of a flight unit in 16 weeks for an X-Band LNB with extremely low noise figure, high gain and low phase noise
University of Surrey Metamaterial Antennas
We manufactured two large meta surface antennas and delivered them to the customer within 8 weeks
X-Band Radar Development
We took over the design of an X-Band radar module obtaining 100W of transmit power, aswell as optimizing the design, paving the way for commercial manufacturing
Quantum Computing Development
We developed a quantum computer RF system from scratch for the client and it is now being manufactured in volumes of 1000s
