C6 STARS (Space Transmission and Reception System) combines a phased-array antenna and transceiver to steer radio beams electronically toward Earth- and space-based stations. The intended function is a high-performance data link for launch vehicles and nanosatellites without mechanically steering the antenna. CSA’s public project description says C6 designed, built and tested a prototype.
A CAD 71,990 feasibility contribution was followed by agreement 20STDPK21, valued at CAD 383,377, for design improvements, scale-up and laboratory qualification work during June 2020–March 2022. The project title says toward TRL 6; it does not establish completed TRL 6 qualification or a flight-ready commercial product. The reviewed record does not provide a qualified frequency/bandwidth envelope, radiation or environmental test result, flight integration record or current supply commitment.
Technical detail
Core features
Electronic beam steering toward Earth- and space-based receiving stations
Phased-array antenna integrated with a transceiver
CSA describes a designed, built and tested prototype
Follow-on funded work targets design improvements, scale-up and laboratory qualification
Phased array
Space communications
Transceiver
Electronic beam steering
Use & integration
Recorded applications
Development of communications links for launch vehicles and nanosatellites
These describe the reviewed application scope, not confirmed deployments, released requirements or procurement eligibility.
Evidence of maturity
A built and tested prototype is documented by CSA; the follow-on project was directed toward TRL 6. Achieved qualification and flight heritage are unverified.
Commercial availability
Research and development capability; an orderable STARS product, qualified interface specification and current delivery schedule are not established.
Integration and verification
Readiness
A technology readiness level is not established by the reviewed public sources.
Reviewed connections
No reviewed Mission area or released Defence need connection is currently published.
Original sources 2 linked records
These records support this capability and its published Mission area and Defence need connections. A source count is not a count of independent confirmations.
