ThinKom and KSAT approach satellite ground stations in a new way
ThinKom's gateway array will provide simultaneous connectivity at KSAT's ground stations for multiple satellites operating in different orbits and frequency ranges
Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) and ThinKom Solutions are joining forces to bring a new gateway array to the market.
As constellations in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) increase, there is a need for disruptive technology to deliver improvements in ground station performance and scalability. This partnership will combine KSAT’s deep ground station experience with ThinKom’s new gateway arrays built on field-proven, high-efficiency, patented VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology.
KSAT Chief Technology Officer John Hesket said, in an April 17 press release, “At KSAT, we take pride in being a technology leader and our commitment to continually evolving our ground stations. In our search for better ways to address the high-density constellations, phased array technology emerged as an obvious choice. Finding a commercially viable solution that brings significant benefits over our legacy antennas has been challenging, but ThinKom has a very innovative approach that meets our technology goals, while also meeting our commercial objectives.”
Utilizing cutting-edge technologies is crucial for KSAT’s ambitious network expansion, and ThinKom’s phased array antenna technology plays a vital role in enabling KSAT to continue to expand to new levels. With ThinKom’s modular and scalable gateway arrays, KSAT can customize and create a software-defined ground segment solution to fit their needs. The multi-beam, multi-band, and multi-orbit system ensures that KSAT can keep up with advancements in satellite networks, making it an essential tool for gateway providers.
“The next generation of satellite networks requires a new paradigm in the ground segment,” said Bill Milroy, ThinKom Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, in the same release. “ThinKom has a strong history of delivering extremely reliable, high-performance antennas across a range of frequency bands. We are excited to bring this technology to the commercial ground segment in partnership with KSAT, a technology leader in delivering innovative ground station solutions. By increasing aperture density while reducing total cost of ownership, we can deliver a step change for future-proof gateway connectivity to every orbit and at every frequency, from S-band through Ka-band and beyond.”
This new gateway array architecture will join KSAT’s global footprint of more than 270 parabolic apertures spread across every continent. The new architecture will reduce the total cost of ownership through hot-swappable modules, reduced infrastructure, installation, and maintenance costs, more efficient spectrum utilization, low power consumption, and a smaller physical and visual footprint when compared to traditional parabolic dishes.
