Nightingale

Steerable Single-Beam
Communications System

The Nightingale active phased array payload is a complete communications payload solution requiring only data and power connections. Built with modular, software-defined digital components, it provides maximum flexibility through standard software programming tools. It supports TDD (time division duplex) communication and mission data downlink. Combine with S-Band antennas for a fully integrated TTC and mission data solution.

The Nightingale active phased array payload was selected by CACI International, Inc.’s (NYSE: CACI) (NYSE: CACI) for an upcoming space technology demonstration, customizing the Nightingale systems to demonstrate alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) waveforms and a tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (TacISR).

Key Features

Flight-Ready
at Scale

Fully integrated payload certified to NASA GEVS standards, leveraging volume manufacturing techniques, and available at commercial scale.

Scalable Antenna Solution

Multiple active phased array tiles can combine for improved RF performance, increasing EIRP by 6dB and G/T by 3dB each time the antenna aperture doubles in surface area.

Software-Defined Reconfigurability

Utilize standardized DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, and CCSDS waveforms or design and integrate your own with the integrated, fully reprogrammable software-defined radio and single-board computer.

Full-Stack Communications

Turnkey configurations implement a full communications stack providing an Ethernet-to-RF solution with fully documented APIs for commanding the digitally steerable antenna array.

Rugged and
Compact

Compact designs are inherently more rugged and better suited for challenging space and airborne environments

Supporting Mission Success

Every payload comes with a full suite of documentation including CAD models, mechanical ICD, electrical ICD, a programming guide and access to our engineers.

Product Specifications

Frequency Range
24.5 to 29.3 GHz
Bandwidth (Instantaneous)
1000 MHz
G/T (Boresight, 300 K Scene Temperature)*
-8 dB/K minimum, -7 dB/K typical
EIRP (CW, Boresight, P1dB)*
28 dB/K minimun, 30 dBW typical
Input Voltage (Unregulated)
22 to 36 V
Baseplate Operating Temperature
-24 to 51°C
Mass
4.8 kg
* All elements enabled. Specified range over frequency and operational temperature

Core Products

Mechanical View

Designed for the challenging environment of space, Nightingale 1 meets NASA GEVS standards for thermal, shock, and vibe and is manufactured in CesiumAstro's AS9100 and ISO9001 certified facilities.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS

System Block Diagram

Covering EESS, TDRS, and 5G mmWave bands from 24.5 to 29.5 GHz, Nightingale 1 is comprised of a full stack of digital backend modules with a Ka-band active phased array antenna.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Additional resources

A full suite of documentation is available to support integration of Nightingale
into your mission. Our team stands ready to support you. Contact us for technical specifications or to discuss your programming challenges.

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