×

Maintenance Repair & Overhaul Space Air Cargo

Home- Stories

ThinKom’s Q/V-Band Phased-Array Satellite Antennas for Next-Gen Satellite Constellation

Our Bureau - : Jul 14, 2021 - : 10:52 am

ThinKom Solutions has developed a new phased-array user terminal specifically designed for operation in the higher millimeter-wave (MMW) frequency bands for evolving next-generation communication satellites.

The low-profile antenna, based on ThinKom’s VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology, will operate in the Q- and V-band frequencies (37.5-42.5 GHz and 47.2-51.4 GHz). These bands have been designated for adoption by major satellite operators in low-, medium-, geostationary and highly elliptical orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO and HEO).

“This new phased-array development is timed to fully enable the upcoming frequency revolution that promises to unlock massive new available bandwidth at these higher MMW frequencies for next-generation LEO and MEO satellite constellations,” said Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO of ThinKom Solutions. “And it uses our proven VICTS architecture, ensuring it will deliver the efficiency, instantaneous bandwidth, reliability, resiliency and overall availability our customers have come to expect from ThinKom.”

Similar Q-band MMW antennas have already been built and on-satellite tested by ThinKom for Q-band aeronautical and ground-mobile use.

“The new user terminals will include uninterrupted ‘make-before-break’ (MbB) and ‘break-before-make’ (BbM) connectivity options, depending on the requirements of a given application. The MbB terminals will support two simultaneous full-duplex beams that can be independently pointed at two different satellites,” said Milroy. “The LEO and MEO satellites move rapidly across the sky from horizon to horizon, so the multi-beam capability of the new ThinKom MbB terminal ensures uninterrupted services while switching between rising and setting satellites. It also allows multiple satellites or channels to be bonded, either within the same or even across different constellations, doubling throughput capability. The antenna also supports full frequency and polarization diversity, which is another key enabler for maximizing satellite throughput.”

ThinKom’s full-duplex terminal is 75 cm square and less than 10 cm in height, weighing less than 23 Kg and requiring less than 100 watts of prime power; yet providing the same functionality as two separate 50-cm diameter stabilized parabolic dish antenna radome enclosures.

MORE NEWS

Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.

Popular Posts

Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.

Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us

×