The manufacturer of satellite antennas ThinKom Solutions reported, that its contract with the US military to demonstrate portable phased-array ground stations had been extended. Previous Small Business Innovation Research contract in the amount $1,9 million was increased to $3,9 million, to ensure the supply of portable ground stations, able to provide satellite communication without fixed infrastructure.
The new agreement involves studying the characteristics of the ThinKom "portable gateway" for use by forces, which operate on foot (not inside armored vehicles or aircraft, where larger communication systems are usually installed), so that they can be accessed as commercial, as well as to military satellite communication networks. Such units often operate in remote or harsh environments, where terrestrial networks are limited or absent.
ThinKom antenna technology is a mechanically controlled phased array antenna, designed to accompany satellites in geostationary and non-geostationary orbits. The portable gateway functions as a portable satellite communication hub. It connects radio stations, tablets, sensors and other tactical networks with a satellite channel, providing communication beyond line of sight. The goal is to provide broadband to distributed units, similar to that, which is available on manned platforms or in the air, while reducing dependence on fixed infrastructure, which can be violated in confrontation conditions.
ThinKom reported, which will supply several reception modules, transmission and digital beamformers, which can be used separately or combined into a single system. Reception modules capture incoming satellite signals, transmission modules send data back to the satellite. A digital beamformer electronically combines and directs signals from multiple antenna elements, allowing the system to track satellites without the use of large mechanically controlled parabolic antennas.
The company noted, that the portable ground stations meet airline baggage requirements and are designed for rapid field deployment.
Source: https://spacenews.com