ESA Science & Technology - Radio Frequency Qualification Model Test Preparations

The Radio Frequency Qualification Model of the Planck spacecraft at the Compact Antenna Test Range of Alcatel Alenia Space in Cannes, France

The RFQM represents the flight configuration of the two reflectors, the baffle to protect against straylight, the support structure, the third thermal shield (V-groove), and the focal plane unit populated with a reduced number of instrument feed horns operating at 30, 70, 100 and 320 GHz. The test carried out at ambient temperature will contribute to the RF performance qualification of the payload module. The results will be then correlated with the RF model that will be used to predict the in-orbit RF performance at
-220° C (or 55K).