US Military Explores Dish-Free Satellite Comms

The U.S. military has extended a contract with satellite antenna manufacturer ThinKom Solutions to develop and demonstrate portable phased-array ground stations. This initiative focuses on evaluating deployable satellite communication systems that could eventually replace traditional parabolic dishes.

The contract, now valued at $3.9 million, builds upon an initial $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research award. This extension allows for the delivery of additional portable ground station shipsets and the integration of specialized software capabilities. ThinKom's technology is designed to provide satellite connectivity without the need for fixed infrastructure, a crucial development for military operations.

This portable gateway technology will be examined for use by dismounted forces, enabling them to access both commercial and military satellite networks. Personnel operating on foot, often in remote or austere environments where terrestrial networks are limited, will benefit from this advancement. The system functions as a transportable hub, connecting tactical networks and enabling beyond-line-of-sight communications.

ThinKom's antenna is a steerable, mechanically actuated phased array capable of tracking satellites in various orbits. The portable ground stations are designed for rapid field deployment and are airline-checkable. The company will supply modules for receiving, transmitting, and digitally combining signals, allowing the system to track satellites effectively without large dish antennas.