In practice the software will be used in various ways, beyond simulating the expected performance of antennas. Designs can be carefully optimised, not just for performance but also in terms of cost, by pinpointing the components that prove to have the least impact on performance, allowing them to be swapped out with cheaper commercial alternatives. It could also be used for yield analysis, to predict how many components in a batch will perform within specifications.

Nelson adds: “This project is really a win-win, because we get specific benefit for the Biomass mission, but the resulting software, which will be released commercially later this year, will also boost the competitiveness of the overall European space industry.”