Development of space qualifiable HTS communication subsystems

The paper presents the measured results of a C-band 60-channel superconduct ive input multiplexer integrated with pulse tube space-qualified cryocooler s. The multiplexer is developed to duplicate the requirements of the INTELS AT 8 program. The channel filters are self-equalized Ill-pole HTS planar st ructures designed with drop-in cryogenic ferrite circulators and isolators. The paper presents details on RF design, packaging and cryocooler integrat ion. It demonstrates that at least 50 % reduction in mass and 50 % reductio n in size can be achieved by replacing the INTELSAT 8 C-band dielectric res onator input multiplexer with a superconductive multiplexer.