NASA Selects CesiumAstro to Design Wideband Terminal for Near-Earth Communications

NASA has awarded CesiumAstro a contract to complete the design of a Ka wideband active phased array terminal that can enable communications for near-Earth users. 

The contract work supports NASA’s goal to create a reliable set of commercial services that would enable near-Earth users to switch between space-based and ground-based networks, CesiumAstro said.

To inform the terminal’s development, CesiumAStro will conduct a study to identify the solutions that can address the challenges in integrating the satcom equipment into NASA’s Near Space Network. 

The company also noted that the wideband active phased array terminal study will advance the space agency’s plan to transition to fully commercialized communications services and evolve the NSN “for a resilient and robust space and ground communications and navigation infrastructure.”

Shey Sabripour, founder and CEO of CesiumAstro, said the company will use its expertise in active phased array space communications and explore innovative wideband solutions to support NASA’s plan to commercialize NSN.