Space Programs

RPG’s expertise in space technology began in 1995 with the development of sub-millimeter frontends for the Swedish ODIN satellite. Since then, we have significantly expanded our space business and capabilities, partnering with organizations worldwide on projects focused on weather observation and scientific research.

Our contributions include critical components for renowned missions like the HIFI/Herschel Space Telescope (ESA), JUICE (ESA), METOP Ice Cloud Imager (ESA), and the Arctic Weather Satellite (ESA), the latter operating at a leading frequency for weather observation of 325 GHz.

We are also pioneering new applications in radio frequency communication, participating in innovative scientific programs such as EIVE (DLR) and BEACON (ESA-ARTES), which focus on E-Band satellite communication links.

RPG designs and manufactures high-performance receivers for weather observation and space applications. We develop both heterodyne and direct detection receivers, tailored to meet the specific requirements of our clients, covering a frequency range from 57 GHz into the THz regime.

Space Projects

Frontend for the Ice Cloud Imager (ICI) on MetOp Satellite B

RPG (Radiometer physics GmbH) designed, built, integrated, and tested the frontend for the Ice Cloud Imager (ICI) for the second generation of MetOp (Meteorological Operational) Satellites. This crucial instrument was developed under the leadership of Airbus Spain and ESA and is an integral part of the second generation EUMETSAT Polar System. ICI is a microwave/submillimeter wave radiometer, providing a unique frequency range that expands (doubles) the current frequency coverage with up to 670 GHz for meteorological satellite applications. RPG previously delivered the frontend for the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS), which is delivering data since September 2024 at a frequency of 325 GHz – currently the highest frequency coverage for weather applications.

Outstanding Performance and Comprehensive Testing:

Our team has developed a frontend consisting of a total of 6 receivers operating in the frequency range of 183 to 664 GHz. These are divided into 13 ICI channels. Comprehensive test campaigns, including vibration, EMC, and thermal vacuum testing, have confirmed the reliability and performance of the frontend under extreme conditions.

Exceptional Sensitivity and Stability:

Measured noise temperatures between 600 K (at 183 GHz) and 2300 K (at 664 GHz) ensure exceptional sensitivity. The short-term gain stability of all receivers enables integration times of up to 15 seconds, resulting in an achievable NEDT (Noise Equivalent Delta Temperature) of 0.5 K to 1.6 K. This demonstrates state-of-the-art radiometric performance, setting a new standard for future millimeter and submillimeter wave instruments dedicated to atmospheric remote sensing and weather prediction.

Successful Delivery and Future Outlook:

RPG has so far delivered the PFM-ICI-frontend, FM2-ICI-frontend, and FM3-ICI-frontend to Airbus Madrid, where integration into the complete instrument takes place. The launch of Satellite B (PFM) is scheduled for autumn 2026. This new generation of MetOp satellites will continue observations of water vapor and clouds from 2026 to 2046. Each instrument is designed for a lifetime of at least 7.5 years.

Arctic Weather Satellite: Revolutionizing Weather Monitoring from Space

RPG took part in a “new space” project that will dramatically improve our ability to monitor and understand Earth's weather patterns. By combining innovative technology with a streamlined development process, we’re delivering a high performance receiver at a lower cost.

This project features a state-of-the-art satellite platform with a powerful multi-channel radiometer, operating at multiple frequencies including 325 GHz – the highest frequency currently used for weather observation. RPG is instrumental in developing this critical 325 GHz channel. The Arctic Weather Satellite PFM is a micro-satellite prototype for a larger constellation of satellites developed using the “new Space” approach to create a small, cost and time effective satellite. Therefore, the mass (< 330 g) and volume (10 x 6 x 4 cm) restrictions for the receiver were demanding.

The successful launch of the AWS-PFM demonstrator in Summer 2024 confirms the viability of this technology, paving the way for improved weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

BEACON - W-Band Integrated Active Receive Frontend

The increasing volume of data from Earth-observing satellites demands high-throughput data links with ground stations. RPG addressed this challenge in an ESA-funded project (2022-2025) by developing a highly integrated W-band dual-channel receiver frontend. Utilizing ultra-low-noise MMIC technology from Fraunhofer IAF, this receiver supports both left-hand circular (LHCP) and right-hand circular (RHCP) polarization. A key design goal was miniaturization for future array integration, resulting in a compact module size of just 1.8 x 10.8 x 50mm. The frontend architecture separates LHCP and RHCP signals using an integrated step-polarizer, followed by amplification with ultra-low-noise amplifiers and filtering with 81-86GHz bandpass filters. This receiver achieves a noise figure below 2.5dB with greater than 33dB of gain. Critically, the integrated filter provides >65dB of rejection in the downlink frequency band (71-76GHz), exceeding the system requirement by over 20dB. An input return loss of better than -17dB further demonstrates the exceptional performance of this unit, positioning it as a key enabler for next-generation, high-throughput satellite links.