Balancing coverage and antenna constraints demands precision

As a satellite system engineer planning coverage for your constellation, you are balancing coverage objectives with antenna constraints and regulatory requirements. Early coverage decisions shape antenna design. Late changes become costly. Accurate coverage analysis directly affects whether your system meets capacity and performance targets in orbit.

TICRA has supported satellite antenna development for over 50 years, earning the trust of space agencies, defence contractors and research institutions worldwide.

We offer the only commercially available solutions for these challenges

 

SATSOFT

Coverage and beam design

Assess antenna coverage and gain across your constellation. Evaluate key performance parameters to inform antenna design decisions for optimal payload performance.

 

POS

POS

Shaped-reflector optimisation

Optimise shaped- and multifeed-reflector designs to meet spot-beam and contour-beam coverage layouts whilst controlling sidelobe performance.

 

 

ESTEEAM

ESTEAM

Installed antenna-analysis

Analyse antenna performance on the deployed spacecraft. Verify key parameters such as gain, beamwidth and sidelobe performance in orbit.

 

 

grasp Scattering-between-multiple-objects

GRASP

Electromagnetic analysis engine

Model electrically-large reflector systems with Physical Optics and BoR-MoM solvers for rapid coverage performance prediction across your design.

Technical capabilities that drive results

  • Quick coverage statistics - Assess key parameters rapidly with built-in statistical performance analysis on defined coverage patterns.
  • Payload antenna planner - Run initial optimisations on commonly used satcom antennas whilst designing required coverage layouts.
  • SATSOFT and TICRA integration - Export initial antenna designs and/or optimisation goals from SATSOFT for optimisation in TICRA tools, then import final radiation patterns for verification.
  • High-performance electromagnetic solvers - Analyse electrically-large reflector systems in seconds with advanced Physical Optics solvers.
  • Powerful optimisation algorithms - Optimise reflector geometries, feed positions, surface shaping and array beamforming simultaneously within unified workflows.

Industries relying on accurate coverage planning and precise antenna modelling

 

Satellite image

Satellite Communication

Satcom operators optimise coverage and throughput across constellations to compete in global markets. Coverage planning impacts capacity, margins and service quality.

 

Defence

Advanced communications and radar systems depend on optimised coverage for mission-critical applications. Precise planning ensures reliable links that meet performance requirements.

 

Telecommunications (5G/6G)

5G/6G non-terrestrial networks optimise coverage planning to deliver consistent performance across geographic regions. Coverage analysis ensures capacity and reliability meet growing demand.

 

 

Large Space Reflector demonstrator with a segmented reflective surface supported by a geometric frame and multiple adjustment mechanisms around the perimeter.

Science

Earth observation and radio astronomy missions depend on precise antenna footprints and performance predictions for data collection and signal detection. Optimised patterns enable scientific discovery.

 

 

VIASAT X TICRA : image of two antennas

Ground segment

Ground stations require reliable coverage planning for satellite tracking, telemetry and command operations. Optimised coverage ensures stable links across global networks

Are you ready to optimise your coverage design?

Explore TICRA’s coverage-planning software through a free trial. Or if you want to discuss your specific challenges first, our engineers and technical support team are ready to help.

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