Challenges of Microwave Component Design for Spacecraft

Designing microwave components for spacecraft is an interdisciplinary effort that draws on the diverse fields of electrical, power, digital, parts, mechanical, thermal and materials engineering as well as radiation physics and manufacturing. Stringent requirements on performance and reliability in a harsh operating environment mandates a rigorous process of analysis, screening, and testing. We will illustrate this process with examples of microwave instrument and communication components we developed for satellites currently in orbit, such as Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GMI), and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP).