Adaptive payload processing for multibeam arrays
SPAICE researches AI-assisted satellite signal processing using commercial chipsets. Its published testbed combines flexible payload configuration, adaptive beamforming for a multibeam direct-radiating array, channel emulation and receiving terminals. The payload forms the signals; the laboratory reconstructs the beams and channel conditions experienced by the terminals.
A beamforming decision must be evaluated alongside the spatial channel and the received radio signal. Payload demand and pointing inputs change the beam weights, while delay, Doppler and noise change the link. Controlled laboratory cases help distinguish a payload decision from the channel effects seen by each receiving terminal.
An earlier ELARA version, named ChEM in the 2024 paper, applies delay, Doppler and noise and reconstructs the beam signals received by the terminals. This spatial-channel role sits between the AI-assisted payload and the receiving user equipment. The paper presents a laboratory testbed; its preliminary payload results are separate from current ELARA product performance.
| Condition | Observation | Engineering question |
|---|---|---|
| Payload beam weights and spatial-channel case | Received beam signals and endpoint response | How do the payload weights and channel case affect each receiving terminal? |
| Delay, Doppler and noise around the payload signals | Terminal synchronisation and useful traffic | Which change follows the channel rather than the payload decision? |
| Traffic demand and pointing inputs | Payload configuration alongside terminal traffic | Does the payload adaptation serve the intended beam under the chosen link conditions? |
ESA research funding for the University of Luxembourg’s SPAICE project.
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