INTREPID 500-20 5.0M Ground Station Antenna System S/X/Ku/Ka-band

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m GROUND STATION ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR S/X/Ku/Ka-band

INTREPID 500-20 is a next-generation 5.0m ground station antenna system designed for high-precision space operations. It combines a prime focus full dish antenna operating up to 20 GHz with a professional alt-az tracking system enhanced by proprietary technologies such as FusionTCU, SpaceSyncAlign and AntennaHealthSTS, enabling advanced control, simplified alignment and continuous system monitoring. With automatic tracking based on TLE or NORAD ID, advanced scheduling, and secure RESTful APIs for third-party integration, INTREPID 500-20 provides a ready-to-use and scalable solution for satellite communications and deep-space applications, with optional compatibility with the Radio2Space control software.

Product Details

The INTREPID 500-20 features a high-precision 5.0 m solid dish antenna designed to operate at frequencies up to 20 GHz, combined with the GS-800II antenna tracking system powered by FusionTCU technology. The system provides fast slewing speeds of up to 19°/s, high pointing accuracy and remote operation, with elevation axis flip to eliminate the keyhole effect during zenith passes. INTREPID 500-20 is designed to work with third-party RF front ends and back ends, allowing full flexibility in system integration. Alternatively, it can be supplied with the optional S/X dual-band coaxial feed, supporting linear polarization as well as left-hand and right-hand circular polarization (LP, LHC and RHC).

Main Features

5 meter diameter prime focus full dish antenna, for frequencies up to 20 GHz.
GS-800II weatherproof alt-az antenna tracking system, with 800 Kg payload capacity, remotely controlled with a standard network cable.
High antenna slewing speed, up to 19°/sec, integrated safety system with emergency stop button (optional light and audio signals).
Elevation axis flip, no keyhole effect.
Pointing accuracy 0,05° with absolute encoders on both axes
FusionTCU technology with N-ACU Next-gen Antenna Control Unit integrated into the MCU Motor Control Unit for autonomous operations and improved safety
SpaceSyncAlign technology to easily align antenna on site
SystemHealthSTS technology to continuously monitor status of tracking system components like motors, encoders, internal environmental data, fans, voltage and others.
Automatic tracking based on TLE (offline) or NORAD ID (online).
Advanced scheduler (SNAP Command Line compliant) to program automatic point and track of an object with report
Automatic heating system of internal gears.
Gears sealed and humidity sensor.
High load capacity C800-HEAVY pier for concrete base.
Wind sensor for INTREPID to auto stow the antenna when wind speed reaches operational limit.
Industrial-Grade temperature working range: INTREPID 500-20 antenna and tracking system is able to work in environments with temperatures from -25°C to +55°C
Available API developer documentation to integrate in third party control softwares.
RESTful based API commands protected by encryption with certificate based autentication
Compatible with optional Radio2Space control software

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m GROUND STATION ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR S/X/Ku/Ka-band - specifications

The INTREPID 500-20 5.0 m ground station antenna system is designed to eliminate the keyhole effect when tracking targets passing through zenith. In addition to very high axis speeds, the system can complete a full 0–360° azimuth rotation in just 24 seconds and move from 0° to 180° in elevation (full Elevation flip) in only 15 seconds. The INTREPID 500-20 supports elevation flip, enabling uninterrupted tracking of satellites as they pass directly through zenith. This capability ensures continuous communication links and makes the INTREPID 500-20 a robust and effective solution for demanding space communication applications.

5-meter diameter prime focus full-dish antenna for frequencies up to 20 GHz

The INTREPID 500-20 5.0 m ground station antenna system features a 5-meter diameter prime focus full-dish antenna designed to operate at frequencies up to 20 GHz. This makes it an ideal solution for space communication in S, X, Ku and Ka bands. A reinforced rear support structure ensures the rigidity of the entire parabolic antenna when mounted, preventing deformation and preserving pointing accuracy. This structural design also helps maintain the optimal parabolic profile over time. For ease of logistics and global deployment, the antenna is shipped in 12 separate panels, allowing transportation and installation worldwide. For applications requiring operation at higher frequencies, the INTREPID antenna system can be supplied with optional high-accuracy panels.

GS-800II: antenna tracking system with FusionTCU

The INTREPID 500-20 ground station antenna system is equipped with the professional GS-800II antenna tracking system, specifically designed to drive large 5-meter diameter full-dish antennas with high speed and precision. With slewing speeds of up to 19°/s, it enables reliable tracking of fast-moving satellites in low Earth orbit too. GS-800II is enhanced by a set of intelligent technologies that clearly differentiate it from traditional antenna tracking systems. FusionTCU technology, with the N-ACU Next-generation Antenna Control Unit integrated directly into the Motor Control Unit, enables autonomous operations, advanced safety features and seamless coordination of all antenna subsystems. SpaceSyncAlign technology simplifies on-site antenna alignment, while SystemHealthSTS continuously monitors motors, encoders, environmental and electrical parameters to maximize reliability and operational uptime. The GS-800II supports automatic tracking based on TLE (offline) or NORAD ID (online), an advanced scheduler for automated operations, and secure RESTful API commands for integration with third-party mission control and ground segment software, transforming the antenna into a fully manageable and intelligent ground station asset.

C800-HEAVY: high load capacity pier

Due to its large 5-meter diameter, the antenna can generate significant loads on the ground. When combined with the weight of the GS-800II tracking system, a highly stable and robust anchoring solution is required. The C800-HEAVY pier is designed to meet these requirements, ensuring permanent, long-term installation of the INTREPID 500-20 ground station antenna system in the field. Both the INTREPID 500-20 and the C800-HEAVY pier are intended to be installed on a reinforced concrete foundation and secured using high-strength anchor bolts. Reference design for the concrete foundation for the ground station antenna system is provided. This example must be adapted and verified by the customer based on the soil conditions and site characteristics of the installation location.

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m ground station antenna system S/X/Ku/Ka-band: specifications

Antenna diameter (m): 5.0
Antenna type: Prime focus
Feed: not included
Antenna gain (S-band): 39 dBi
Antenna gain (X-band): 50.5 dBi
Working frequency: up to 20 GHz
Azimuth max Velocity: 15 deg/s
Azimuth max Acceleration: 25 deg/s2
Azimuth max Torque: 13320 Nm
Azimuth max Travel: 360±90°
Elevation max Velocity: 12 deg/s
Elevation max Acceleration: 25 deg/s2
Elevation max Torque: 26610 Nm
Minimum Tracking Elevation : 0°

Brake Holding Torque: ~30000 Nm
Encoders read resolution: 0,00002°
Operating Altitude: 3000m max, above 1000m derating of 1%/100m
Operating Temperature: -25°C to +55°c (optional extended -40°C +55°C)
Max operational wind speed: 22 m/s
Survival wind speed (stow position): 55 m/s
Maximum ice load: 4mm (optional De-Icing System available)
Weight: 5120 kg
Supply voltage: 3~ 400/230 VAC ±10%, 50 Hz (3P+N+PE), TN-S
Emergency stop switch

INTREPID 500-20: easy to control and integrate with Radio2Space mission control platform

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m ground station antenna system is natively integrated with the Radio2Space mission control platform that we specifically designed in order to provide you with the easy way to create or expand your ground segment. In fact INTREPID 500-20 is available with the Radio2Space APIs to allow developers to effortlessly integrate the operation of INTREPID ground stations into their existing antenna networks or mission control software systems. And it can be used also with the optional Radio2Space Cloud to let users manage one or multiple INTREPID ground stations remotely.

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m ground station antenna system S/X/Ku/Ka-band: site preparations

INTREPID 500-20 ground station antenna system is designed to be installed on a concrete base with an underground duct connecting the antenna to control room or to the outdoor rack enclosure that the customer has to prepare before the installation. The image below shows cables and connections that are needed to connect antenna external unit to the control room or outdoor rack enclosure. Power and grounding systems are needed and they have to be provided by the customer.

INTREPID 500-20 5.0m ground station antenna system S/X/Ku/Ka-band: optional accessories

Mount-over-Fiber kit for INTREPID: it allows to remotely control the antenna tracking system from very long distances by replacing the network cable with a dedicated optical fiber that can be up to 2km long.
Internal cooling system: suggested in case of climatic conditions with very high temperatures, if the internal temperature in the antenna tracking system head exceeds +55°C (can be installed only when ordering, it is not possible to add it later).
Absolute encoders and maintenance kit.
S/X Dual-Band Coaxial Feed for L, LHC and RHC polarization.
High accuracy panels , for frequencies up to 20 GHz.

INTREPID ground station antenna system: much more than an antenna

INTREPID ground station antenna system is the result of many years in research by PrimaLuceLab engineering team that designs, develops, assembles and tests in-house all our antenna systems. This way INTREPID ground station antenna system provide unmatched performance by standard off-the-shelf antennas that are not designed for space communication: better tracking and pointing precision, higher sensitivity, better engineering quality and great italian design!

Since we create INTREPID ground station antenna systems in our factory in Italy, you can take advantage of the direct relation with the us that are the real antenna system manufacturer. Our pre-sale service can help you in everything you may need before your antenna system order. Our post-sale support can provide you with updates for hardware and software products that we specifically develop for our antenna systems. Our internal team of trained technicians is also able to install INTREPID at your location, all around the World!