Gilat Satellite Networks, a satellite networking technology and services company, has announced that a test of its Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network has been successful. The open-architecture ESA was integrated with Inmarsat’s G-MODMAN technology, which supports the implementation of Global Xpress terminals on aviation platforms.
The live demonstration of an ESA terminal was performed on an Inmarsat operational GX satellite. The test was performed on Inmarsat-5 F1 satellite at 62.6 degrees East. Gilat’s self-pointing antenna logged-on automatically to the GX network, supporting bi-directional real-time communication in both fixed and dynamic antenna positioning modes. Beam steering under the changing elevation and skew angles was carried out while managing the power spectral density (PSD) threshold, in order to minimise interference with neighbouring satellites, in accordance with relevant regulations.
Gilat says that the successful test demonstrates the readiness of its ESA for commercial deployment.
“The seamless integration of our G-MODMAN with Gilat’s antenna control system, via standard open interfaces, is a key enabler to demonstrate the ability to support Electronic Steered Array Technology in Inmarsat’s global satellite network,” said Jerome Soumagne, chief engineer, VP Networks at Inmarsat.
