Gilat debuts compact Ku-band satellite communications terminal for UAVs

Gilat Satellite Networks will soon debut its new compact Ku-band airborne satellite communications solution for the growing fleets of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) employed by the world's various militaries.

According to the Israeli satellite manufacturer, its UAV satcom solution tips the scale at 22 lbs. It can transmit 1Mbps of IP-based data. The compact terminal includes a rugged spread spectrum satellite modem, a two-way, flat panel tracking antenna, and a compact 40W Ku-band block up-converter (BUC) and power amplifier.

In a statement dated August 7, Gilat describes its "tightly integrated" Ku-band satellite communications terminal to be lightweight, compact, and low-power. These qualities made it ideal for airborne applications such as beyond-line-of-sight operations for some of the smaller UAV platforms in service.

In addition, Gilat's UAV  satellite communications solution can also be customized to suit its end-user's variable specifications and requirements, allowing a single platform to perform different missions as needed.

Space Systems/Loral SES-5 satellite successfully launches, maneuvers

After a successful July 9 launch, the SES-5 satellite is now performing post-launch maneuvers that will place it in its proper orbit, according to its builder, Space Systems/Loral.

A Proton Breeze M vehicle from International Launch Services (ILS) lofted SES-5 from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. Deployment of solar panel arrays went according to schedule, and the satellite has begun maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit with its main thruster.

The complex SES-5 is a multi-mission commercial satellite that will deliver high-speed broadband services to Europe and Africa. Its primary purpose is to provide high performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, broadband, maritime communications, GSM backhaul, and VSAT applications.

To ensure flexible operations, SES-5 carries 36 active Ku-band transponders, 24 C-band transponders, and Ka-band uplink capability. In addition, it has two Ku-band beams (one each for the Nordic-Baltic region and the Sub-Saharan African region) as well as two C-band beams that provide global and hemispheric coverage using up to 24 active C-band transponders.

Alongside its commercial capabilities, SES-5 also features an L-band navigation payload courtesy of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Built upon European Commission requirements, the EGNOS payload will support existing satellite positioning services. The EGNOS payload will also provide users around the globe with expanded navigation signals that have become important for safety critical aviation and maritime applications.

Based on SS/L's robust 1300 multi-mission platform, the successfully-launched SES-5 will be the 71st satellite of its class in orbit.

Thrane and Thrane installs VSAT-based total communications solution in Hansa Heavy Lift fleet

Thrane & Thrane is close to completing the installation and commissioning of its sophisticated SAILOR 900 VSAT and SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband systems on Hansa Heavy Lift’s entire fleet.

gCaptain reported that Thrane & Thrane partnered with PRO NAUTAS and Vizada to create a total communications solution for Hansa's 21 multipurpose heavy-lift sea vessels. T&T provided its SAILOR 900 VSAT and SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, Vizada provided its XChange platform, and the project was implemented by PRO-NAUTAS.

Thrane & Thrane's VSAT systems ensure provided redundant global broadband connectivity and voice services. The Vizada-based solution platform automatically selected between Ku-band or L-band based on the current coverage, system performance, and airtime rates available to ensure maximum, cost-effective connectivity.

Casper Jensen, VP Maritime Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane, explained that Hansa wasn't just interested in ensuring crew and operational communications. "The new communication solution aboard Hansa Heavy Lift vessels," VP Jensen said, "Was chosen for its capability of enabling remote diagnostics and maintenance of the on board IT networks."

According to Jensen, total solutions that feature both VSAT and MSS had become very important. Global satellite broadband coverage allowed for constant remote monitoring and least cost routing that improved fleet fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. It could also help reducing maintenance and service costs.

Thrane & Thrane designed SAILOR 900 to speed up the system's procurement, installation, and commissioning. The Ku-band VSAT system can be easily and quickly installed on a wide variety of vessels, and it is able to link with all Ku-band satellite systems across the globe.

SAILOR 900 had achieved significant strides in the Ku-band market since its introduction last September. Earlier this January, Thrane and Thrane reported that a big shipping company with a global reach (Hansa Heavy Lift) procuted nearly 3000 VSAT units for a revolutionary Ericsson-developed total communication solution.