Germany-based First Sensor Lewicki has started work on the development of a multi-feed array antenna for the Heinrich Hertz communication satellite, which is expected to be launched in 2021.

Measuring a height and width of 90mm, the antenna will ensure communication between the satellite and its operating station on Earth.

The antenna will also feature new circuit board technology to implement a planar multi-feed array with embedded active components.

"The antenna will ensure communication between the satellite and its operating station on Earth."

It is being developed as part of the GeReLeo-MFA project supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), in collaboration with the Institute for High-Frequency Technology at RWTH Aachen University and IMST in Germany.

First Sensor Lewicki managing director Maximilian Sailer said: “In addition to our existing qualification as an assembly and test centre, our involvement in the BMWi-supported GeReLeo-MFA project for the construction of the multi-feed array antenna on the Heinrich Hertz satellite also gives us access to a new field of application in high-frequency technology qualifying for space flight.”

Last month, GeReLeo-MFA project sponsor German Aerospace Center (DLR) commissioned the construction of Heinrich Hertz.

Once launched, Heinrich Hertz will be the first German communication satellite to enter service since the end of the last mission 16 years ago.

Set to remain in operation for 15 years, the satellite will be positioned at an altitude of approximately 36,000km and will act as a relay station for smaller satellites orbiting the Earth, as well as perform various other tasks.