Design Optimal Coverage Plans for Mission-Critical Satellite Systems
Translate coverage requirements into optimised antenna designs that meet mission objectives.
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
A connected toolset that takes you from measured near-field data to validated far-field performance – and pinpoints what to fix when it isn’t right.
SATSOFT
Assess antenna coverage and gain across your constellation. Evaluate key performance parameters to inform antenna design decisions for optimal payload performance.
POS
Optimise shaped- and multifeed-reflector designs to meet spot-beam and contour-beam coverage layouts whilst controlling sidelobe performance.
ESTEAM
Analyse antenna performance on the deployed spacecraft. Verify key parameters such as gain, beamwidth and sidelobe performance in orbit.
GRASP
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
Everything you need to turn raw measurements into verified performance – and to understand exactly why an antenna behaves the way it does.
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
Teams in the most demanding programmes rely on accurate near-field measurement and diagnostics to sign off their antennas.
Satellite communications
Satcom operators optimise coverage and throughput across constellations to compete in global markets. Coverage planning impacts capacity, margins and service quality.
ExploreDefence
Advanced communications and radar systems depend on optimised coverage for mission-critical applications. Precise planning ensures reliable links that meet performance requirements.
ExploreTelecommunications
5G/6G non-terrestrial networks optimise coverage planning to deliver consistent performance across geographic regions. Coverage analysis ensures capacity and reliability meet growing demand.
ExploreScience
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.
ExploreGround segment
Ground stations require reliable coverage planning for satellite tracking, telemetry and command operations. Optimised coverage ensures stable links across global networks
ExploreAre 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.
Frequently asked question
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
What is spherical near-field measurement and why is it used?
Spherical near-field measurement samples an antennas radiated field on a sphere close to the antenna, inside an anechoic chamber. It captures the full radiation behaviour from compact ranges and is the most universal way to characterise an antenna – the near-field data is then transformed to the far-field that matters in operation.
More from the Knowledge Hub
Research, tutorials and customer stories on antenna measurement and diagnostics.
Anechoic chambers
Anechoic Chambers can have no room for error, which is why TICRA’s SNIFT is the first choice for spherical test range data management. This means more accurate measurements in a shorter timeframe, and the highest possible degree of predictability.
Earth stations and terminals
Earth Station antennas must be efficient, compliant and competitive. TICRA's software suite enables you to target all your optimization and design requirements needs, with expert support on hand to ensure full compatibility with your applications – and your challenges.
Satellite operators
With TICRA’s solutions you can specify antenna coverages or optimize your payload antennas with the highest degree of certainty. This means you can react faster to changing requirements today and meet your customers’ needs tomorrow.