The KARMA-8 FG from Kongsberg is a Bi-Axial Antenna Pointing Mechanism that has been designed for both LEO data downlink antennas and inter-satellite link antennas. This antenna-pointing mechanism uses a redundant bipolar stepper motor that has a rotational speed capability of 0.5 degrees/sec. It has an operational life of 8.5 years and a cycle life of more than 6000 cycles. The antenna pointing mechanism consists of a Ka-band high-gain antenna (incl. polarizer) for data downlink with a frequency range of 25.5–27 GHz and an X-band high medium antenna (horn type with polarizer) for TT&C communication with a frequency range of 7.19-8.5 MHz. It features new driveline components giving back-lash-free pointing with high accuracy and is ideal for future science missions. The KARMA-8 FG has a mass of 22.5 Kg.
