Space is the future, whether humankind decides to stay on planet earth or to leave it for a more promising planet. In both scenarios, there are more than ever emerging needs to cope with space constraints by developing new technologies whether to enhance satellite communications or to explore deep space through inhabited missions. In the frame of this accelerating dynamic, the European Union’s TESLA project initiative in its unique formula, is an exceptional opportunity for me to participate with fellow researchers in the creation of new solutions for the increasing challenges in the elaboration of space driven technologies

Bassel Youzkatli, Early Stage Researcher

Bassel Youzkatli was born in Zahle, Lebanon. He received the B. Sc. degree from the INPT-ENSEEIHT, Toulouse, France, and the M.A.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from École Polytechnique, Montreal, QC, Canada, in 2008 and 2011, respectively. During his master, he developed innovative compact 3D substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) interconnects for passive RF components and antennas. From 2012 to late 2019, he worked as an RF design engineer at MDA Montreal, Canada, a worldwide recognized leader in space systems and satellite antennas. At MDA, he developed passive RF components (filters, multiplexers, polarizers, orthomode junctions, transmit/receive linearly or circularly polarized feed-chains) for satellites many of which are already operating and providing services to thousands of users around the world. Recently, he joined Université de Limoges, France, to start a PhD in the frame of the H2020-MSCA-ITN TESLA project.

Bassel’s project is entitled ‘Development of optimization tools for RF components position’. The main objective of this project is to design optimized passive waveguide microwave filters and components for improving their power handling, particularly increasing their power breakdown threshold for multipaction and corona within the constraints of space environment. Amongst different solutions to be investigated, a particular one consists of developing dielectric resonator filters based on a new class of RF-high-power wise performant ceramics.

Bassel’s supervisor is Prof. Nicolas Delhote, Université de Limoges (UNILIM), France