Low-cost and ultimately-downsized X-band deep-space telecommunication system for PROCYON mission

PROCYON is a first full-scale, 50-kg-class probe featuring most of the key technologies for deep-space exploration. It was developed by the University of Tokyo and ISAS/JAXA and launched with Hayabusa 2 on 3 Dec 2014. PROCYON has a newly developed X-band telecommunication system fully compatible with the frequency range, up- and down-link turn-around ratio, modulation scheme, and DDOR tones following CCSDS-recommended standards, and it can establish X-band coherent two-way communication and ranging links with deep-space stations as larger deep-space probes have done. The total mass of the onboard telecommunication system is 7.3 kg excluding its RF coaxial harness, and total power consumption during two-way communication, 15 W of RF output power at SSPA, is 54.3 W. After launch, PROCYON's telecommunication system has been successfully working according to the system design. These achievements will provide core technologies for next-generation deep-space exploration by ultra-small probes.