SES, Isotropic Systems Test Antenna for Multi-Satellite Connectivity

SES Government Systems and Isotropic Systems have conducted a test of a prototype multibeam antenna designed to provide assured satellite connectivity to airmen.

Isotropic Systems said the test was conducted on an SES constellation to determine whether the prototype can connect simultaneously to multiple satellites, including ones in a different orbit, C4ISRNET reported Thursday.

“Interoperability and multi-orbit capabilities are essential to achieving this vision, and these collaborative trials with the armed forces demonstrate how Isotropic Systems’ multi-beam antenna can successfully deliver robust connectivity,” Pete Hoene, president and CEO of SES.

The demonstration was performed under the terms of a two-phase contract awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory in September 2020. AFRL awarded the contract as part of the Air Force’s Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet program.

If the technology is proven reliable, airmen and Space Force guardians would be able to maintain satellite communications even when one satellite malfunctions.

The Department of Defense has been exploring ways to leverage commercial satellite technologies amid the booming space industry.

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions previously demonstrated a DOD capability aimed at optimizing access to a hybrid satellite constellation used by multiple service providers.

DOD’s Enterprise Management and Control plan was designed to ensure that warfighters have reliable satellite communications access to both legacy and next-generation terminals.

According to Kratos, EM&C capabilities can serve as a means for providing real-time satellite communication end-to-end connectivity status and operational readiness for spectral data, link and equipment status.