Abstract: An adjustable payload for small geostationary communication satellites is disclosed. In an example, a communication satellite includes a payload system having a software defined payload that is configured to provide communication services. The software defined payload includes a processor for providing at least one of gain control per transponder and carrier/sub-channel, channelization, channel routing, signal conditioning or equalization, spectrum analysis, interference detection, regenerative or modem processing, bandwidth flexibility, digital beamforming, digital pre-distortion or power amplifier linearization, for at least one user slice for a plurality of user terminals and at least one gateway slice for a gateway station. The software defined payload also includes an input side and an output side for each slice. Each input side includes an input filter and an analog-to-digital converter and each output side includes an output filter and a digital-to-analog converter.

Abstract: An adjustable payload for small geostationary communication satellites is disclosed. In an example, a communication satellite includes a payload system having a software defined payload that is configured to provide communication services. The software defined payload includes a processor for providing at least one of gain control per transponder and carrier/sub-channel, channelization, channel routing, signal conditioning or equalization, spectrum analysis, interference detection, regenerative or modem processing, bandwidth flexibility, digital beamforming, digital pre-distortion or power amplifier linearization, for at least one user slice for a plurality of user terminals and at least one gateway slice for a gateway station. The software defined payload also includes an input side and an output side for each slice. Each input side includes an input filter and an analog-to-digital converter and each output side includes an output filter and a digital-to-analog converter.