PROBA is a space program managed by ESA for the in-orbit demonstration of platform and payload [+]
D2APA Direct Drive Antenna Pointing Assembly


The D2APA is a direct drive actuated K-band antenna pointing assembly, with elevation over azimuth configuration, compatible with GEO and LEO orbits and engineered for long-life missions where fast and accurate pointing is required. The modular approach allows the customization of operating band (K, X, and dual X/K band) and antenna diameter up to 350mm.
It is part of SENER Aeroespacial Inter-Satellite and Earth Observation Datalink Subsystems as K-band Antenna Assembly. It has been engineered in accordance with ESA’s ECSS standards, providing unparallel reliability and performance.
- In-house designed 0.2°/step direct drive motor (smaller resolution with micro-stepping)
- In-house designed rotary joint (Customizable frequency of operation)
- Mass: < 9.5 kg
- Low driving current: 300 mA
- Power consumption: < 5.5 W/axis (Worst Case)
- Up to 5 discrete fine position sensors per axis
- Optional potentiometer sensors
- Full hemispherical coverage (>360° azimuth range)
- Low shock HDRM
- Low exported micro-vibrations
- Rapid position recovery: up to 13°/s rotation speed
- Dimensions: stowed Ø390 mm x 390 mm (with Ø350 mm antenna)
- Available at other frequency bands (K, X and dual X/K band rotary joints and antennas)
- Fully compatible with ground tests without zero-g devices
Other programs
See allThe ExoMars mission (Exobiology on Mars) is a joint venture of the European Space Agency [+]