Celestia Callisto to Exhibit Cryogenic Low-Noise Amplifiers in the U.S. in August 2026, Enabling Antenna Size Reduction of Over 20%

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Celestia Callisto, a company with three decades of experience in RF and cryogenic technology, will showcase two new cryogenic low-noise amplifier products at the 40th Annual Small Satellite Conference, and revealed that its Compact Cryogenic Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) can reduce antenna size by more than 20%. The conference will be held from August 23 to 26, 2026, in Salt Lake City, with Celestia Callisto at Booth C34.

The Compact Cryogenic LNA is designed for small to medium-sized antennas, featuring a fully self-contained structure with an integrated built-in cryocooler, eliminating the need for external compressors, gas lines, or water chillers, as well as no liquid refills, with fewer moving parts than other cryogenic systems on the market. This product delivers up to 10 years of maintenance-free operation, offers low power consumption, is compatible with antennas of 6 meters in diameter or larger, supports single or dual channels in any orientation across the S through Ka-32 frequency bands, and can be configured in redundant architectures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including Earth observation, radio astronomy, and lunar communications.

Jennifer Bernard, Business Manager at Celestia Callisto, stated that the product embodies the design philosophy of "simple cryogenics," with its self-contained structure and compact size serving as the foundation for performance, efficiency, and reliability. She explained that the LNA provides low-noise amplification while operating maintenance-free for ten years and enhancing operational efficiency in other ways. The direct effect of the improved signal is that antenna size can be reduced by 20% or more, thereby lowering capital expenditure and simplifying deployment. Taking a 10-meter Earth observation antenna as an example, material costs for the dish, structure, and pointing system could be reduced by approximately €150,000 (150K€). Bernard noted that small and medium-sized antennas, for which cryogenic systems were previously difficult to justify, can now gain performance enhancements through the embedded compact LNA, and the product is also suitable for retrofitting or refurbishing legacy antenna designs.

For operators of antennas starting at 2 meters in diameter, Celestia Callisto is simultaneously launching the new Cryogenic Mini LNB (referred to as "The Mini"). Designed specifically for the extended Ka-band (17.7–21.2 GHz), this product weighs less than 5 kg and maintains a noise temperature below 55K even under elevated ambient temperatures, a specification verified by sister company Celestia TTi. The Mini is powered by a compact Stirling cryocooler, is fully self-contained, and operates autonomously without external cooling infrastructure or intervention. Bernard stated that the R&D team leveraged end-to-end engineering capabilities to make precise RF design choices at every stage, enabling the product to achieve a noise temperature below 55K across the entire Ka-band and an overall weight of less than 5 kg, delivering exceptional receive performance within a self-contained system, along with the added benefits of reliability and cost-effectiveness for small antennas, even in the harshest environments.

Detailed information on these products and other innovations in cryogenic front-ends for ground stations will be available at Celestia Callisto's Booth C34 during the Annual Small Satellite Conference, held from August 23 to 26, 2026, in Salt Lake City.