Pulsed Tubes for Spaceborne Radar

Amplifying Space Intelligence - From Cloudy Skies to Clear Insight

Space
Earth observation

Thales is internationally recognized for its expertise in pulsed Travelling Wave Tubes (TWTs) for space radar applications. Our portfolio covers high power solutions in X-band for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), medium power Ku-band for scatterometer missions, and the emerging medium power Ka-band, leveraging RF pulsed transmission from space. Complementary to optical systems, Thales pulsed TWTs enable weather-independent imaging, day/night operation, and unrivalled spatial resolution – empowering satellites to deliver actionable data at any time.

STRENGTHS

Efficiency

Thales pulsed TWTs deliver energy efficiency, enabling optimal performance for space radar missions regardless of flight altitude or ambient conditions.
Heritage & Reliability

Decades of expertise in X, Ku, and Ka bands, with proven performance on thousands of successful missions.
Versatile Radar Capabilities

Weather independence (depending on frequency), true day/night imaging, and high resolution powered by active illumination.
Complementary

RF radar solutions provide continuous observations, filling gaps where optical systems are limited by clouds, darkness, or adverse weather.

Pulsed TWT Solutions for Advanced Space Radar

In a world where imaging precision and data availability are paramount, Thales offers a comprehensive range of pulsed TWTs for space:

High Power X-band for SAR, delivering imaging for crisis mapping, disaster monitoring, and environmental analysis
Medium Power Ku-band for scatterometer missions, enabling ocean and atmosphere monitoring
Medium Power Ka-band in development to meet future high-resolution radar demands

Thales pulsed TWTs enable satellites to “see” independently of sunlight, clouds, or weather conditions, providing high-resolution imaging at any altitude. These systems work hand-in-hand with optical payloads to ensure availability of critical insights—whenever and wherever they are needed.

At Thales, our legacy in pulsed TWTs is at the core of pivotal space missions – from earth monitoring and natural disaster response, to scientific exploration and climate analysis.

Our high power X-band tubes, reliable Ku-band scatterometer amplifiers, and next-generation Ka-band developments empower agencies and commercial operators to acquire vital operational data, even when optical instruments face their limits. Day or night, under clear skies or storm clouds, Thales TWTs keep your eyes on the Earth.