Micro-Ant, a bespoke antenna designer has successfully developed switched-beam electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) for LEO Satellites. These antennas have multiple radiating elements that are combined in groups to achieve hemispherical coverage and near instantaneous tracking and switching between all visible LEO satellites. The company has experience developing both the antenna aperture, the hardest part of the design overall, as well as the systems needed to achieve beam switching and power amplification. All of these combine to form a robust switched-beam ESA solution that makes it ideal for maritime, aviation, and terrestrial markets.
The most recently launched product is the maritime Iridium Certus HGA-2. This shipboard antenna has been lauded for its “best-in-class antenna performance” and enabling reliable voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. These antennas operate on Iridium’s high speed LEO constellation network offering data rates of 800 KPS. Each of the antennas electrically tracks the moving Iridium LEO satellite while searching for the next satellite for “make-before-break” switching all while operating on a moving vehicle either maritime or airborne.
Micro-Ant is currently has also developed an aircraft-mounted Certus HGA-2. This airborne L-Band ESA will provide in-air voice connectivity, achieving even greater beam agility in a much smaller package.
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