GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
ISRO SATELLITE CENTRE [ISAC]
AIRPORT ROAD, VIMANAPURA POST
BANGALORE – 560 017

Ref. No. ISGE 2012-0-24300 05.11.2012

INVITATION FOR “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST”

ISRO KA-BAND HIGH THROUGHPUT COMMUNICATION

SATELLITE
In India ISRO has played a big role in establishing a strong communication infrastructure thus
partnering the increasingly vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of India’s business, industrial and
entertainment sectors. In order to enhance and upgrade this infrastructure, ISRO is planning to
implement a new generation of payloads and satellite buses.

In this regard, ISRO is looking for design, development, fabrication and operationalization of a next
generation State of the art high throughput Ka-band communication satellite into the geostationary
orbit.

This expression of interest is sought from bidders to provide their proposals which will aid to firm up
the procurement specifications prior to release of a formal RFP later.

Interested Vendors, Manufacturers having sufficient knowhow, experience and financial background
are invited to express their interest.

Along with “Expression of Interest” please furnish the following information also in detail:

1. Registered address with Phone, Fax, Email etc.

2. Status [Proprietary/Partnership/Private Ltd. Etc] with names and addresses of Proprietor,
Partners, Board of Directors etc.
3. Associates : [a] Indian [b] Foreign
4. List of Major Customers with full address and their Contact Persons.
5. Details of other Contracts, if any now in hand.
6. Details of Infrastructure facilities owned/available.
7. A brief of the designing and developing various types of spacecraft for LEO and GEO for
different types of applications.
8. Capital and Turnover for last three years with copy of latest Annual Report.
9. Financial Capacity/Credit facilities available.
10. Name and address of Bankers.
11. Trade Association to which you belong to.
12. Any other information you consider relevant.

Details are available on ISRO website www.isro.gov.in Interested Vendors may at their option,
download the details from website and submit the application with all the above information shall
reach the undersigned, quoting Ref. No. on or before 1600 Hrs on 20.12.2012. ISAC reserves the right
to accept or reject all or any such “Expression of Interest” without assigning any reasons what so ever.

Sd/-
HEAD, PURCHASE & STORES
ISRO SATELLITE CENTRE
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

FOR

ISRO KA-BAND HIGH THROUGHPUT COMMUNICATION SATELLITE

REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATION

OCTOBER 2012

ISRO SATELLITE CENTRE

DEPARTMENT OF SPACE, GOVT. OF INDIA
BANGALORE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SCOPE.................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 SPACECRAFT ................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.2 ASSOCIATED HARDWARE ................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 SPACECRAFT HARDWARE TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING ................................................................................. 5
2.4 LAUNCH PREPARATION ................................................................................................................................... 5
2.5 GROUND CONTROL SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................... 5

3. ISRO SPACECRAFT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 7

3.1 MISSION...................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 SPACECRAFT LIFE AND MASS ........................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 LAUNCH VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 PRODUCT ASSURANCE .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.1 Part, Material, Process and System Development ................................................................................... 8
3.4.2 Product Assurance Plan .......................................................................................................................... 10
3.4.3 Model philosophy ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.4 Reviews ................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.5 Test plans and procedures ...................................................................................................................... 12

4. COMMUNICATION PAYLOAD REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................. 14

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 14

4.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 14
4.2.1 LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.3 SERVICE ARCHITECTURE ......................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.4 THROUGHPUT REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................................. 16
4.2.5 SERVICE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 16
4.2.6 SPECTRUM AVAILABILITY ....................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.7 PAYLOAD SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ...................................................................................................... 17
4.2.8 PAYLOAD PERFORMANCE....................................................................................................................... 18
4.3 PRODUCT ASSURANCE............................................................................................................................ 19
4.3.1 MODEL PHILOSOPHY .............................................................................................................................. 19
4.3.2 SINGLE POINT FAILURES ......................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.3 SUBSYSTEM REDUNDANCY..................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.4 TEST & EVALUATION .............................................................................................................................. 20
4.4 PAYLOAD MASS & POWER BUDGET ........................................................................................................ 20
4.5 THROUGHPUT ESTIMATION ................................................................................................................... 20
4.6 ADDITIONAL DESIRED FEATURES ............................................................................................................... 20
4.6.1 ON-BOARD FLEXIBILITY........................................................................................................................... 20
4.6.2 FADE MITIGATION .................................................................................................................................. 21
4.6.3 BEAM STEERING CAPABILITY .................................................................................................................. 21
4.6.4 MESH CONNECTIVITY ............................................................................................................................. 21
4.7 GROUND SEGMENT ................................................................................................................................ 21
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4.7.1 USER TERMINALS.................................................................................................................................... 21

4.7.2 HUB STATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 21
4.7.3 ACCESS SCHEMES ................................................................................................................................... 22
4.7.4 GROUND BEACON STATIONS.................................................................................................................. 22
4.7.5 FLUX DENSITY LIMITS ............................................................................................................................. 22
4.7.6 FADE MITIGATION .................................................................................................................................. 22

5. REALIZATION PLAN............................................................................................................................ 23

5.1 SCHEDULE AND ISRO’S PARTICIPATION ....................................................................................................... 23

5.2 SPACECRAFT TEST PLAN................................................................................................................................ 23
5.2.1 Subsystem Level Test Plan ...................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.2 System Level Test Plan............................................................................................................................ 24
5.3 SUPPORT FOR ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS.............................................................................................................. 24
5.4 MANUAL/TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION.......................................................................................................... 24

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1. SCOPE

In India ISRO has played a big role in establishing a strong communication infrastructure
thus partnering the increasingly vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of India’s business, industrial
and entertainment sectors. In order to enhance and upgrade this infrastructure, ISRO is
planning to implement a new generation of payloads and satellite buses.

In this regard, ISRO is looking for design, development, fabrication and operationalization of
a next generation State of the art high throughput Ka-band communication satellite into the
geostationary orbit.

This expression of interest is sought from bidders to provide their proposals which will aid to
firm up the procurement specifications prior to release of a formal RFP later.

Bidders may note that, all information given by the bidders to ISRO will be kept confidential.
The spacecraft readiness for shipment is required to be a maximum of 36 months from the
date of signing of contract. However bidders may indicate their capability for less than 36
months shipment schedule.

This Expression of Interest defines the work to be performed by bidder and also the required
deliverable hardware, software, documentation and services.

All program, technical documentation and meetings related to this program are required to be
written and held in English.

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2. INTRODUCTION
a. This requirements specifications document is to invite suitable technical proposal
from the interested prospective bidders for the realization of spacecraft and to provide
launch support, and the means of construction of space system, which shall include:
i. A space segment consisting of the satellite;
ii. Technical consultancy for augmentation /up-gradation of ISRO control centre to
meet the operational requirements of proposed spacecraft under procurement.
All project specific hardware and software to be provided by the bidder.
iii. All necessary hardware, software simulators and documentation.
iv. All requirements for the space system for entire term of satellite mission life
with margin after its acceptance in orbit.
v. All requirements for the space system, which are not dependent on position of
the satellite in the orbit, must be fulfilled regardless of the satellite position in
geostationary orbit.
vi. Considering these requirements, the space system includes all necessary
equipment and software of the space segment and the ground segment.

2.1 SPACECRAFT
a. Bidder shall be fully responsible for all the tasks related to development, design,
construction, integration, testing and storage of the spacecraft (as per requirement).

b. The bidder is also responsible for shipment of spacecraft to the launch site, testing at
launch preparation site, all work required in conjunction with the customer selected
Launch Services for launch vehicle compatibility and installation of spacecraft on the
launcher, launch support, orbit raising activities and In Orbit Testing of spacecraft.

c. The bidder is also expected to provide support during subsequent period of on orbit
maintenance of spacecraft. (Duration TBD)

2.2 ASSOCIATED HARDWARE

a. Bidder shall provide all consumables (fluids, propellant etc.) required to build, test,
launch and operationalize the Spacecraft. Sufficient consumables shall be provided to
load the tanks to the maximum allowed tank capacity.

b. Bidder shall ensure that a sufficient amount of spare flight equipment is available to
support the timely Spacecraft realisation and Launch. Bidder shall have a replacement
plan to support unit failures, starting with full system test of the Spacecraft at the
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bidder’s facility, and culminating at the launch. Under no circumstances shall the
bidder be permitted to claim an excusable delay because of the lack of replacement
units.

c. Bidder shall provide Spacecraft handling Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fixtures
and implement operating procedures to ensure that the Spacecraft hardware is not
overstressed during ground handling operations. Customer shall have technical
visibility into the GSE and operating procedures but shall not take delivery of the
GSE. Bidder shall also make available Spacecraft GSE to be used during the pre-
launch phases of the mission and ensure that a sufficient amount of spare GSE
equipment is available at the launch site. In particular, spares need to be available for
all critical equipment required during countdown phase.

2.3 SPACECRAFT HARDWARE TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING

Bidder shall be responsible for the safe handling and transportation of Spacecraft /
sub-assemblies and equipment within the manufacturer premises and across different
work centers.

2.4 LAUNCH PREPARATION

a. Bidder is responsible for shipping the Spacecraft to customer selected launch base, the
associated launch preparation site equipment, the Spacecraft propellants and
pressurants, the technicians required to perform the work at the launch preparation
site, the required equipment to interface with the launch vehicle and all the required
spacecraft GSE. The Spacecraft shall be shipped to the launch base, with the satellite
fully integrated in a single container.

b. Bidder is responsible for the loading/unloading operations enroute until the spacecraft
preparations facility at launch base.

c. Unloading, loading devices (cranes etc) from the tarmac to the Launch Preparation
Facility and transportation means (trucks, train etc) shall be provided by the Launch
Services Contractor as per agreement with the Customer. Bidder is also responsible
for performing all works at launch site and support the Launch Services Contractor
for all interface requirements to achieve Successful Injection and Spacecraft
separation.

2.5 GROUND CONTROL SYSTEM

a. The Spacecraft In-orbit GSO operations will be controlled from satellite operations
facilities at one of ISRO’s ground stations in India.
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b. Bidder will be responsible for development and installation of the Real-time Software
(RTS) at the customer control center. This RTS will be used for the operational
control of the Spacecraft. The bidder shall provide all technical support to make the
software operational.

c. Bidder shall provide RTS including (but not limited to) the following:

i. Ground to Spacecraft Interface definition

ii. TM/TC Database interpretation and conversion
iii. Spacecraft memory map and adaptation of the RTS on-board processor support
iv. Spacecraft-specific Derived Parameters
v. Interface of the Spacecraft Manufacturer’s Off-line Spacecraft Control Software
to the RTS (if applicable)
vi. Interface of the RTS (TM, Ranging and Spacecraft Procedures) with the orbit
operations specifications
vii. Procedures conversion into the RTS Commanding Language
viii. Procedure validation on the RTS hardware

d. Bidder shall be responsible for the design, development, on-site integration, test and
documentation of software and hardware components including (but not limited to)
the following:

i. Any off-line Spacecraft-specific Software not explicitly mentioned, but required

to properly operate the Spacecraft. This includes but not limited to any tools
developed by the manufacturer which would aid in the on-orbit operation of the
satellite such as excel spreadsheet calculations and the like.
ii. Dynamic Satellite Simulator (DSS) software;
iii. Validated TM/TC database
iv. Validated Spacecraft Procedures
v. Specific Orbital Operations software (Orbops) specification.
vi. Transponder Management Software
vii. Set point determination tool

e. The ground related interface specifications of the TT&C and ranging shall be defined
in the appropriate format with the selected bidder.

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3. ISRO SPACECRAFT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MISSION
a. The mission requirement is for one firm ISRO Ka Band High Throughput
Communication Satellite and upon exercise of the relevant option, a repeat satellite,
named ISRO Ka Band High Throughput Communication Satellite (R) for use in a
Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO).

b. The Spacecraft has to meet all requirements when operated at an orbital location 55
deg E (To be confirmed) over Indian Ocean Region. The final GEO slot will be
indicated at the time of tendering a formal RFP. However manufacture shall explore
the possibility of operating the same satellite from any GEO slot from 48 deg E to
93.5 deg E.

c. The Spacecraft shall be designed to operate with up to eight other collocated

communications satellites within the Customer fleet over the Indian Ocean region.
The Spacecraft design shall incorporate all required filtering in its uplink and
downlink to preclude interference to and from adjacent satellites and other ITU
coordinated RF transmissions. Frequency co-ordination will be carried out by ISRO.

3.2 SPACECRAFT LIFE AND MASS

a. The spacecraft operational life shall be a minimum of 15 years with an additional one
year margin. The bidder shall also take into account additional life margins across
systems, which are required to meet the spacecraft insurer’s requirements.

b. The Spacecraft design shall be qualified to carry and consume the full capability of its
propellant and pressurant, even if it is not required to meet the spacecraft Life
requirements. Upon request by Customer, Bidder shall provide such propellant and
pressurant up to the maximum capacity of the tanks at no extra cost, even if the
spacecraft Life requirements can be met with less than full tanks.

c. The spacecraft shall be a typical of 6 tones class. The bidder is expected to propose an
optimal dry mass of the spacecraft which meets all functional requirements and
mission life with 3σ performance. The mass estimate shall be justified with proper
explanations. The bidder shall also keep in view the constraint posed by commercially
available launch vehicles.

3.3 LAUNCH VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY

The Spacecraft shall be compatible with the constraints, restrictions, and limitations
imposed by the commercially available launch vehicles. If there are any issues related
to restriction with respect to any launch vehicle, the same shall be brought out. The

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baseline reference for the compatibility requirements with the launch vehicle shall be
the current version of Launch Vehicle Users Manual.

3.4 PRODUCT ASSURANCE

a. ISRO requires that the bidder along with subcontractors establish, implement and
maintain a product assurance program. The program shall include detailed
requirements, policies, objectives, plans and methods of implementation related to (
but not limited to) the following:

i. Reliability assurance
ii. Quality assurance
iii. Parts, materials and processes control
iv. Software
v. Testing
vi. Non-conformance control with respect to materials, configuration and tests
vii. Contamination and cleanliness control
viii. Data management, and
ix. Safety.

b. The bidder has to ensure that all hardware and software are designed, manufactured,
tested, stored and delivered to meet the requirements of this program. This shall be
documented in a product assurance plan.
c. The bidder shall provide details of the product assurance organization and
management proposed for implementation of the product assurance plan.

3.4.1 Part, Material, Process and System Development

a. The bidder shall provide details of the proposed Electrical, Electronic and Electro-
mechanical (EEE) Parts Control program. The part selection, qualification testing,
screening, radiation approach, critical EEE part identification, handling, storage etc.
need to be addressed in the EEE components control plan.
b. Declared Component list shall be prepared which shall include as a minimum
i. Generic designation
ii. Part type, package and value range
iii. Manufacturer (name, country)
iv. Specification reference (generic/detailed)
v. Equipment name(s)
vi. PAD sheet references
vii. Quality level
viii. PAD status
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ix. Radiation test status

c. The bidder’s shall provide details of Radiation Hardness Philosophy proposed. The
following effects shall be taken into account:

i. Total dose
ii. Displacement damage
iii. Single Event Effect (SEU, Latch-up, Burn-out, Gate Rupture and SET)
iv. Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS) effects

d. The bidder shall provide details of the Materials, Mechanical Parts and processes
Control program proposed. The bidder's program shall be described in the Product
Assurance Plan and will define the requirements for selection, application,
specification, qualification, control and traceability of materials and processes to be
used in satellite equipment. This program shall:

i. Ensure rigorous selection of materials, mechanical parts and processes which can
fulfill the functional requirements during a lifetime compatible with the mission
duration and the specific environmental conditions
ii. Rely on available space proven technologies whenever possible
iii. Identify and control all new products, critical materials, and mechanical parts and
processes.

e. Bidder shall prepare a declared material list (DML) and declared process list (DPL)
for implementation.
f. The bidder shall provide details of the review process proposed and shall have regular
reviews during the contract phase.
i. Non-conformance Review Boards
ii. Mandatory Inspection Points
iii. Test Readiness reviews/Test Review Boards (TRRs/TRBs)
iv. Hardware Delivery Review Board
v. Non-conformances
vi. Parts
vii. Critical Items
viii. Materials and Processes
ix. Software

g. The bidder shall provide details of critical item identification, listing and control
policy proposed.

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h. The bidder shall provide details of the reliability assurance program proposed and list
the reliability analyses, tests and other activities carried out to ensure required
reliability. The reliability analyses shall include (but not be limited to) the following:

i. Failure Modes Effects Analysis

ii. Derating analysis
iii. Hardware software interaction analysis
iv. Reliability apportionment/ reliability prediction
v. Fault tree analysis
vi. Worst case circuit analysis
vii. Availability analysis
viii. Radiation and Single Event Transient (SET) analysis

3.4.2 Product Assurance Plan

a. The bidder shall provide details of the redundancy management philosophy proposed
at component, card, equipment and system level and handling of single point failures
shall be detailed in the product assurance plan.

b. The bidder shall provide details of the quality assurance program for hardware and
software proposed to ensure that adequate quality requirements are established and
achieved and verified throughout all phases of the program. The program shall
describe the detailed requirements and procedures for controlling workmanship
standards during design, quality control during procurement, fabrication, assembly
and integration of hardware, test of hardware and software, reporting and corrective
action for non-conforming items, packing, storing, transportation and launch site
activities. The bidder’s quality assurance program shall be described in the Product
Assurance Plan.

c. The bidder shall provide details of the software product assurance program proposed.
The software product assurance program shall address management issues, life cycle
activities and processes and the product quality aspects. The software product
assurance program shall be compatible with the software engineering approach to be
defined for the project by the bidder.

d. The bidder shall provide details of the configuration and information/documentation

management program proposed. The system shall provide for the control,
identification and verification of all hardware and software related documentation,
and changes there to and accounting for all items of hardware and software within the
program.

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e. The bidder shall provide ISRO with the right to participate in or execute surveys,
audits, reviews, source inspection, test observation, mandatory inspections and any
other activity during the contract, or have resident or itinerant personnel at the plants
of the bidder, Subcontractors, Suppliers and Manufacturers. The participation shall be
during the following phases

i. System Engineering Phase

ii. Design and Development
iii. Manufacture, Assembly, Integration and Test
iv. Preparation for Launch

f. The bidder shall provide details of the development, qualification and acceptance plan
proposed for flight equipment, subsystems and satellites. The plan shall include ( but
not be limited to ) the following:

i. Qualification Status List

ii. Design and Development Plan
iii. Assembly, Integration and Test Plan
iv. Specification of Environmental Conditions
v. Acceptance Matrix

3.4.3 Model philosophy

a. The bidder shall provide a heritage matrix for all the equipment proposed for the
project. The model philosophy followed for different equipment shall be in
conformance with the categories listed below.
Category 1: Production equipment requiring no modification which has been
subjected to a qualification test program for space applications at least as severe as
that expected for the project. Further qualification testing is not required.
Category 2: Production equipment requiring no modifications that have already been
tested and qualified but subjected to a different qualification program or to a different
environment. A delta qualification test program shall be decided by ISRO and
performed case by case.
Category 3: Production equipment requiring minor design modifications or has had a
change in components, materials, processes or manufacturing or control procedures.
A delta or full qualification test program shall be decided by ISRO on a case-by-case
basis depending on the impact of the required modification.
Category 4: Newly designed and developed equipment or existing equipment
requiring major re-design. A full qualification test program shall be performed.

Note: The bidder shall include the heritage matrix of the proposed equipment in their
proposal.
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3.4.4 Reviews
a. The bidder shall provide details of the reviews proposed during the development and
qualification phase. These reviews shall include (but not be limited to) the following:

i. Equipment Qualification status Review

ii. Baseline Design Review
iii. Critical Design review

b. The bidder shall provide details of the reviews proposed during the manufacturing,
assembly, integration and test phase. These reviews shall include (but not be limited
to) the following:

i. Test readiness reviews prior to equipment, subsystem and spacecraft tests

ii. Test Review board/Hardware Delivery Reviews for Flight Model equipment
iii. Test Review board for subsystem and spacecraft tests
iv. Flight Readiness Reviews for satellite.

c. The bidder may propose a list of reviews, which can be held during the execution of
program.

3.4.5 Test plans and procedures

a. The bidder shall provide details on the functional and environmental tests proposed on
equipment, subsystem and spacecraft. The environmental tests shall include (but not
be limited to) the following:

i. Mechanical load test (e.g. static load, acceleration, vibration, acoustic

noise, shock as applicable)
ii. Thermal vacuum tests including temperature cycling
iii. Electric field exposure tests (e.g. EMC, EMI, ESD testing as applicable)
iv. Magnetic field exposure tests as applicable

b. The bidder shall provide the environmental standards to which the equipment,
subsystem and spacecraft are to be tested and provide the compliance in the TRBs.
The environmental standards shall encompass the following:

i. On-ground phase, including manufacture, handling, assembly and integration,

testing, storage and transportation prior to launch
ii. Launch phase, including parking orbit
iii. In-orbit phase, including transfer orbit and drift orbit

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c. The bidder shall provide the test plan and test matrix at equipment, subsystem and
spacecraft level. The bidder shall provide details of the life test proposed for life
limited equipment. All life limited equipment shall be subjected to life tests to
demonstrate 1.5 times the proposed mission duration.

d. Depressurization and thermal vacuum tests shall be carried out wherever applicable.
Absence of corona or multipaction in RF systems shall also be demonstrated.

e. At the subsystem level, the bidder shall include (but not limited to) the following
tests:

i. Static test for structure subsystem

ii. Bus/Subsystem tests
iii. Propulsion system integrated checks
iv. ADCS in loop simulation checks
v. Payload repeater system and antenna system checks
vi. Thermo-elastic distortion tests on antenna subsystem
vii. Harness tests prior to installation
viii. Deployment tests on deployable appendages

f. At the spacecraft level, the bidder shall include the following tests, verification and
measurements (but not limited to):

i. Disassembled mode IST

ii. Spacecraft integrated mode tests
iii. Spacecraft thermovacuum tests
iv. Thermal balance test /Thermal design validation test
v. Appendages Assembly and testing
vi. Spacecraft dynamic tests – sine, random and acoustic noise
vii. CG, MI and alignment tests
viii. Spacecraft EMI/EMC test for launcher compatibility
ix. Polarity tests
x. CATF Tests including Spacecraft level antenna radiation pattern measurements
xi. Spacecraft mass properties measurement
xii. Spacecraft alignment verification
xiii. Deployment checks at spacecraft level
xiv. Pre shipment tests
xv. Pre launch tests

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4. COMMUNICATION PAYLOAD REQUIREMENTS

4.1 INTRODUCTION
a. The objective is to provide a single high throughput platform to support a large
subscriber base for Broadband services. Since the terminals to be supported are
typically USATs, the on-board platform should have coverage performances to
support high data rate services, which calls for a multi-beam architecture with spot
beams covering the desired region. This also allows frequency reuse across the beams
enhancing the overall system throughput within a given spectrum.

b. The proposed system consists of

i. Space Segment: Advanced Multiple-beam High Power Satellite Platform
ii. Ground Segment: Hub Stations, which can perform the functions beyond
switching like Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM).
iii. User Segment: New generation user terminals which can be commanded to
adapt.
c. Section 4.2 provides the details regarding the overall communication system
requirements. As a part of proposal, bidder shall address all the aspects related to the
payload under the headings given in section 4.6.

d. Bidder shall also provide the trade-off studies among the technology elements, which
can finally culminate in the proposed system configuration such as optimum number
of spot beams & size to suit frequency re-use color scheme within the allocated
frequency spectrum, minimize gain loss at coverage edge of the antenna beam to close
the user links and maximize throughput generation & capacity, optimum pointing
error budget that loads the spacecraft system, establishing the right balance of the use
of the bandwidth and power in the satellite channel etc.

e. In addition to the advanced on-board technologies that are considered, bidder shall
address the critical issues related to compatibility with the ground system
technologies like applicability of signal structures utilizing advanced modcod, site
diversity for Ka band Hub stations & sizing for fade mitigation along with rain fade
statistics considering Indian tropical rain zones etc.

4.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

4.2.1 LOCATION
The satellite shall be located at a longitude of 55 degree E (TBD).

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4.2.2 COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS

a. The payload configured shall provide coverage over Indian mainland along with the
Islands (Andaman & Nicobar Islands as well as Lakshadweep Islands (as shown in
Figure 4.1).

Figure 4.1: Indian Mainland Plus Island Coverage

b. Bidder may also suggest possibility of providing coverage over Middle East Asia /
Africa / South East Asia to provide connectivity with these regions from Indian
mainland.

c. Additional redundancy/back-up option to be provided for key location (Maximum

four) on Indian land mass having high density traffic.

4.2.3 SERVICE ARCHITECTURE

a. The payload configured shall provide FSS services to multiple users utilizing a Star
based communication network with Forward links (from Hub to user terminals) and
Return links (from User terminals to Hubs) via Satellite.

b. Bidder may suggest possibility of providing direct user-to-user Mesh connectivity via
satellite for delay sensitive applications.

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4.2.4 THROUGHPUT REQUIREMENTS

a. The payload configured shall provide communication to Ultra Small Aperture
terminals.

b. The overall throughput shall be of the order of ~50 Gbps. Bidder may suggest the
feasibility of achieving greater than 50 Gbps in their proposal.

4.2.5 SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

a. The satellite shall provide mainly broad band internet services as well as multimedia
services to a number of users. Bidder may also explore the possibility of providing
DTH/HDTV broadcast services over Indian region.

b. The user terminals to be supported by the payload shall have following typical
parameters.

• Terminal Size : 0.45 to 0.8 meters

• Terminal EIRP : < 50 dBW
• Polarization : Circular/Linear
• Data rate support
Uplink : Upto 4 Mbps
Downlink : Upto 10 Mbps
• ModCod support : Multiple modcod structures for ACM support
c. Bidder may propose the feasibility of providing higher data rates based on
technologies likely to be available in future.

d. Mobile user terminal in addition to fixed terminals is a desirable feature. Bidder shall
include this in their proposal.

4.2.6 SPECTRUM AVAILABILITY

4.2.6.1 HUB LINK SPECTRUM

Spectrum available for Hub link operation is 1 GHz (in both polarizations) in the
following band: The spectrum may not be in a continuous band (TBD).

• Uplink Spectrum : 27.00 - 31.00 GHz

• Downlink Spectrum : 17.70 - 21.20 GHz

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4.2.6.2 USER LINK SPECTRUM

Spectrum available for User link operation is 500 MHz × 2 (including both
polarizations) in the following band (TBD):

• Uplink Spectrum : 29.50 - 30.00 GHz

• Downlink Spectrum : 19.70 - 20.20 GHz

4.2.7 PAYLOAD SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Bidder shall provide the configuration details required for catering the service
requirements mentioned in the previous section (Section 4.2.5) in addition to
following.

4.2.7.1 NUMBER OF USER BEAMS

Bidder shall propose the number of user beams covering the region specified in
Section 4.2.2 catering to the service links as specified in Section 4.2.5.

4.2.7.2 NUMBER OF HUB BEAMS

Bidder shall propose the number of hub beams, their locations as well as their
connectivity requirements which will cater to star based communication to the user
beams as specified in Section 4.2.5.

4.2.7.3 COMMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE

Bidder shall define the communication architecture describing the forward and return
links between hub and users for Star and mesh connectivity.

4.2.7.4 SPECTRUM PER USER BEAM

Bidder shall specify usable bandwidth per user beam for both forward and return
links.

4.2.7.5 SPECTRUM PER HUB BEAM

Bidder shall specify usable bandwidth per Hub beam for both forward and return
links.

4.2.7.6 SPECTRUM RE-USE

Bidder shall specify frequency as well as polarization reuse factor as per spectrum
allocation per beam as specified in Section 4.2.6.

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4.2.7.7 PAYLOAD CONFIGURATION

Bidder shall provide detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration for the
transponders indicating all the individual subsystems.

4.2.7.8 ANTENNA CONFIGURATION

Bidder shall provide details of the proposed antenna system configuration and the
proposed on-board RF sensing /tracking scheme needed to achieve the required beam
stability.

4.2.7.9 POINTING ERROR

All coverage performance requirements shall be met under worst case pointing error
conditions, including eclipse and maneuver transients. Bidder shall also provide the
detailed pointing error budget.

4.2.7.10 RF SUBSYSTEMS
Bidder shall provide details of the RF subsystems such as technology, major
specifications, packaging, heritage etc for major RF elements as per the performance
requirement.

4.2.8 PAYLOAD PERFORMANCE

Bidder shall specify major parameters to define the payload performance as defined
below in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Payload Performance Parameters

S.N. Performance Parameter Remarks

• To be specified for Forward & Return link
transponders.
1 EIRP per transponder • Flux density levels over the specified coverage
should not exceed the limits recommended by
ITU.
• To be specified for User as well as Hub beams
2 G/T per beam • A uniform brightness temperature value of 290
K shall be assumed for the calculation of
antenna G/T performance
• The nominal SFD shall be adjustable over a
3 Saturation Flux Density dynamic range of 20 dB minimum in the step
of one dB. The accuracy of SFD shall be
defined by the bidder.
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• Frequency Stability over operating temperature

range, over a month and over mission lifetime
4 Receiver performance meeting the technical requirements of services.
• Phase noise at different frequency offsets
meeting the technical requirement of services.
• For forward and return link transponders with
5 Frequency Response the applicable bandwidths.
• Near-band and Wideband Transmit & Receive
rejection requirements.
• Bidder to specify NPR levels for operation
6 Noise Power Ratio
under multicarrier conditions.
• EIRP Stability
7 Performance stability
• Gain Stability

4.3 PRODUCT ASSURANCE

Bidder shall provide probability of survival of the Payload system to ensure reliable
satellite operation for a minimum period of 15 years with one year margin. Whenever
non-recurring hardware needs to be used in order to meet the performance
requirements, priority should be given to redundancy and to maintain high stress
margins between the utilization of the hardware and its capability.

4.3.1 MODEL PHILOSOPHY

Bidder shall propose the model philosophy for hardware subsystems based on the
heritage and bring out the qualification requirements, if any.

4.3.2 SINGLE POINT FAILURES

a. All active components shall have on board redundancy.

b. The Spacecraft shall have no electrical and electronic component with single point
failure. This requirement applies to parts, harness, printed circuit boards, connectors
and all other electrical paths in the design of the Payload. The Payload design shall
provide sufficient redundancy for all electrical and electronic components to meet the
reliability goal.

4.3.3 SUBSYSTEM REDUNDANCY

Bidder shall propose the redundancy configuration of the following active subsystems
and any other systems deemed necessary by bidder:

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i. LNAs : [to be provided by Bidder]

ii. Down-converters : [to be provided by Bidder]
iii. HPAs : [to be provided by Bidder]

4.3.4 TEST & EVALUATION

Bidder shall provide the test methodology to be followed at system as well as
subsystem level to ensure the reliable operation of the communication payload over
mission lifetime.

4.4 PAYLOAD MASS & POWER BUDGET

a. Bidder shall provide estimate of payload mass & power budget giving breakup for
different subsystems.

b. Also bidder shall specify the estimated thermal dissipation for the payload.

4.5 THROUGHPUT ESTIMATION

a. Bidder shall provide estimation for total throughput along with supporting link
analysis considering the terminals parameter as in section 4.2.5, as applicable to the
Indian Tropical climatic conditions for rain fade. Hub link and user link availability to
be maintained at a minimum of 99.9 % and 99.6 % respectively.

b. The throughput of 50 Gbps projected in Section 4.2.7 is the minimum requirement.

However bidder may propose payload configuration options providing higher
throughput.

4.6 ADDITIONAL DESIRED FEATURES

4.6.1 ON-BOARD FLEXIBILITY

Bidder may suggest on-board re-configurability of the payload for providing
flexibility as per dynamic service requirements, e.g.:

a. Demand based beam-wise bandwidth assignment flexibility for users in High/low

traffic density.

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b. Demand based beam-wise power assignment to get higher throughput in high traffic
region by appropriate power sharing between beams.

c. Dynamic allocation of higher power to higher rain/higher traffic regions.

d. Addition capacity/redundancy to serve/protect the high traffic metro beams

(maximum four)

4.6.2 FADE MITIGATION

Bidder may suggest fade mitigation techniques to cater to the tropical fade conditions
over Indian region to maintain the specified user and hub availability. The suggested
fade mitigation techniques should cater to fade impairments for user as well as hub
links. Bidder may also propose possible modification in payload/ground hardware to
support certain fade mitigation techniques.

4.6.3 BEAM STEERING CAPABILITY

Bidder may suggest possibility of steering some of the spot beams to provide
flexibility in coverage over certain regions.

4.6.4 MESH CONNECTIVITY

Bidder may suggest provision of providing mesh connectivity among user beams
using transparent/regenerative processor.

4.7 GROUND SEGMENT

Bidder shall suggest the supporting ground segment options to meet the throughput as
well as availability requirements as mentioned in the previous sections. Bidder shall
provide options as under in the following subsections:

4.7.1 USER TERMINALS

Bidder shall suggest various user terminal options in terms of terminal sizes, HPA
size, data rate supported, modcod supported, and services (i.e. voice, data, fax, video
etc) which can be supported by the communication payload. Bidder will also include
provision for a mobile terminal in their proposal.

4.7.2 HUB STATIONS

Bidder shall suggest the configuration of Hub stations in terms of number of hubs,
station sizes, HPA size, data rate and modcod to be supported etc. Bidder may also
suggest Inter-hub connectivity requirements for a unified star network over the region.

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4.7.3 ACCESS SCHEMES

Bidder shall suggest signal multiplexing schemes as well as transponder multiple
access schemes and suitable network protocols for both forward and return links.

4.7.4 GROUND BEACON STATIONS

Bidder may propose the requirement of uplink beacon stations, if required, for on-
board antenna pointing system.

4.7.5 FLUX DENSITY LIMITS

Bidder shall provide the flux density calculations and their compliance with the ITU-
recommended limits for Transmission as well as reception

4.7.6 FADE MITIGATION

Bidder may suggest possible fade mitigation techniques like ULPC, ACM, Site
diversity etc. applicable to Hub/User terminals to cater to the tropical fade conditions
over Indian region to maintain the specified availability in Section 4.5.

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5. REALIZATION PLAN
5.1 SCHEDULE AND ISRO’S PARTICIPATION

a. Bidder must fabricate the above satellite and execute the whole cycle of all testing
leading to the stage of launching the satellite within a maximum of 36 months from
the date of signing of contract. However bidders may indicate their capability for less
than 36 months shipment schedule.

b. Period for satellite acceptance is the flight acceptance test by the Manufacturer after
the satellite launch and in orbit successful performance demonstration.

c. Manufacturer shall specify the time line of the contract execution cycle e.g.
translation of mission requirements to system/subsystem requirements/specifications,
PDR, CDR, Integrated Test Plan etc. Customer’s participation and approval is
mandatory during major milestones.

d. ISRO shall get fully involved during the System Engineering, configuration
finalization, design, development, fabrication and AIT stages of spacecraft. This
means an active interaction and participation of manpower from ISRO during various
phases of spacecraft building. The activities like overall configuration finalization ,
design drivers, system level definitions and configuration ,build plan and process shall
be well coordinated , and understood by ISRO team . This may also include some
discussions and knowledge sharing on latest technology domains. It is foreseen that a
full time participation of a few engineers from ISRO is required during the entire
spacecraft realization period. ISRO engineers will be stationed at selected
manufacturer’s premises and should have access to ongoing activities. The bidder
shall clearly express their approach on the subject and also propose a mechanism for
execution of the same.

5.2 SPACECRAFT TEST PLAN

The bidder shall submit Spacecraft subsystem and system level test plan/test
procedure for customer approval.

5.2.1 Subsystem Level Test Plan

a. A typical subsystem level test sequence shall minimally include all the tests as
detailed in section 3.4.5.
b. All primary and redundant functions shall be tested, even in the case of redundancy
internal to the Unit. These tests shall be done to ensure proper subsystem to
subsystem interfaces to ensure appropriate performance of each bus subsystem at the
earliest possible level.

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5.2.2 System Level Test Plan

The Spacecraft shall be subjected to a system Level test program that includes all the
tests required to assess the performance of the Spacecraft and its subsystems .The
details are provided in section 3.4.5.

5.3 SUPPORT FOR ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS

Before the launch of spacecraft, the manufacturer must carry out all necessary cycle of
training of personnel of the Customer for correct operation of ISRO spacecraft. The
bidder is also expected to provide support during subsequent period of on orbit
maintenance of spacecraft. (Duration TBD)

5.4 MANUAL/TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

Before the start of the ground testing of ISRO I6K spacecraft the bidder should
provide the Customer with all necessary technical documentation in English.
Customer reserves the right to clarify the content and composition of manual technical
documentation after its delivery.

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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADCS Attitude Determination Control System

ALC Automatic Level Control
AM/FM Amplitude Modulation/Frequency Modulation
C/I Carrier-to-interference ratio
CATF Compact Antenna Tests Facility
CDR Critical Design Review
CSM Communication System Monitoring
DSS Dynamic Satellite Simulator
DVB-RCS DVB Return Channel over Satellite
DVB-S/S2 Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite
ELDRS Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity
EIRP Effective Isotropically Radiated Power
EOI Expression of Interest
FGM Fixed Gain Mode
G/T Gain-to-noise-Temperature
HDTV High Definition TV
HPA High-Power Amplifier
IBO Input Backoff
MCPC Multi Channel Per Carrier
NPR Noise-Power Ratio
OFR Orbital Frequency Resource
OOS Off-Optimum Situations
RFP Request for Proposal
RTS Real Time Software
PAD Part Approved Document
PDR Preliminary Design Review
RTCC Reserve Terrestrial Control Center
SCPC Single Channel Per Carrier
SET Single Event Transient
SEU Single Event Upset
SFD Saturation Flux Density
SS Space System
TBD To Be Decided
TDM Time-Division Multiplexing
TDMA Time-Division Multiple Access
TCC Terrestrial Control Center
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal

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 GUIDELINES FOR BIDDERS
CONFIDENTIAL – ISRO Proprietary
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

1. Structure of the Response

These Guidelines have been prepared to assist Bidders in generating the proposals in
response to the ISRO Expression of Interest (EOI). ISRO reserves the right to revise the
requirements as may evolve based on interaction with bidder during evaluation of EOI. The
bidders should have extensive experience in the industry in building various spacecraft
platforms, State of Art Communication Payloads and operational experience in High
Throughput Ka Band Communication Satellites.
The cost of preparing proposals in response to this EOI shall be borne solely by the bidders
and the release of this EOI does not bind any financial or other obligation on the part of
ISRO.
ISRO reserves the right to consider the bidder in the RFP Process for the whole or any part of
the work defined in the EOI, ISRO also reserves the right not to float the RFP.

2. Notice of Intention to Submit Proposals

All Bidders intending to submit proposals are requested to notify ISRO apriori by fax, letter
or e-mail to the following address:

Head, Purchase and Stores

ISRO Satellite Centre, Old Airport Road
Bangalore – 560017, India
Ph No. : +918025084004/+918025084369
Fax : +918025205283/+918025205284
E-mail : [email protected]

Notifications must also include the name of the point of contact, together with the appropriate
fax number and e-mail address.

3. Clarifications Concerning the EOI

Clarifications concerning the EOI may be submitted by fax or e-mail to the ISRO contact
point indicated below.

Head, Purchase and Stores

ISRO Satellite Centre, Old Airport Road
Bangalore – 560017, India
Ph No. : +918025084004/+918025084369
Fax : +918025205283/+918025205284
E-mail : [email protected]

Bidders are requested not to contact ISRO for information on the progress or possible
outcome of the evaluation.
4. Submission of Proposals

Complete proposals must be received by the ISRO at the address given below, not later than
the date specified in the EOI cover letter.

Head, Purchase and Stores

ISRO Satellite Centre, Old Airport Road
Bangalore – 560017, India
Ph No. : +918025084004/+918025084369
Fax : +918025205283/+918025205284
E-mail : [email protected]

5. Proposed Calendar of Events

SL No. Event Target Date

1 Release of EOI 06th November, 2012
2 Last date to submit the Proposal 20th December, 2012

6. Presentation of Proposals

Proposals in response to this EOI shall be submitted in electronic form along with two sets of
Hard copy.

Bidders are also requested to provide a transmittal letter, signed by an authorised company
official, with respect to the technical commitments made in the proposal.

All parts of the proposal and communications relating thereto shall be in English.

All parts of the proposal shall adopt the metric system for unit of measurements, e.g. meter
(m), kilogram (kg), second (s) etc.

7. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria used by ISRO to determine the acceptability of proposals at any stage
and eventual technical discussion with one or more selected bidders will include but not
limited to the following:

• Compliance of proposal with requirements set forth in this EOI.

• Previous experience including major sub-contractors and equipment suppliers with
equivalent contracts/deliveries having demonstrated substantial heritage in-orbit.
• Design margins in each and every subsystem
• Typical Delivery schedule
• Satellite operational lifetime,
• Compatibility with all suitable commercially available launch vehicles
• Any other points of relevance to this EOI
8. Validity Period of Proposals

The proposals shall remain valid for a period of 6 months from the closing date of submission
of proposals.

9. Retention of Proposals/Proprietary Information/Confidentiality

All documents submitted in response to the EOI shall become the property of ISRO. Any
information in such documents, which is proprietary to the bidder, should be specifically
identified as such. Proprietary information shall not be deemed to include information that is
obtainable from another source or is or becomes available in the public domain.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, ISRO may disclose proposals, including proprietary
information, to appropriate personnel selected by ISRO for evaluation purposes.

All information contained in this EOI is proprietary information of ISRO and is protected
under Indian law.

All the information contained in this EOI is confidential and cannot be disseminated to third
parties or used by any recipient of this EOI for any purpose other than answering to this EOI.
No public statement or press release shall be issued by the recipient regarding this EOI, the
information contained within, or the EOI process without the prior written authorization of
ISRO.

10. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

The Bidder is free to select any specific structure of the Technical Proposal that is suitable to
present information in the clearest possible manner. However, to ensure a minimum level of
details and to facilitate the task of proposal evaluation, several self contained sections or
appendices should be produced to address the following topics as a minimum for which the
requirements are given below.

1. Satellite Design
2. System Budgets and Analyses
3. Payload Design and Communication Analyses
4. Launcher compatibility
5. Hardware Status
6. Realisation Schedule
7. Satellite Operations
8. LEOP
9. Product Assurance
10. Applicable Standards
11. Compliance to EOI
12. Alternative proposals