CASE STUDY
ALL.SPACE
Comprehensive Evaluation of ALL.SPACE’s
Electronically Steered Antenna for LEO Constellations
Background
Modern communication networks have very different requirements to conventional satellite communications which relied on parabolic antennas. Electronically steerable antennas (ESA) offer several important advantages that will help drive the evolution of next-generation satellite communications. Their compact, lightweight design and ability to steer beams instantly make them particularly well suited to on-the-move connectivity, where constant repositioning is the norm, as well as LEO and multi-band environments.
However, there is a lack of reliable and comprehensive performance data available for these types of antennas. While this is problematic for both the commercial satcom industry and the defense sector, it is of particular concern for the defense market. If an antenna is not performing as required in its operational environment, the safety of armed forces may be compromised. Having visibility of an antenna’s performance in the field will help to mitigate against errors.
ALL.SPACE, provider of multi-orbit, multi-link satcom solutions to the commercial, government and defense market, wanted to address this gap in data by evaluating the performance of its multi-beam ESA for use on LEO constellations, in real-world environments.
Objectives
ALL.SPACE sought to comprehensively test and measure the performance of its multi-beam ESA across multiple real-world operational scenarios. Test objectives included:
- Assess radiation pattern characteristics
- Verify seamless satellite handover performance when switching from one satellite to another
- Validate accurate and stable multibeam tracking capabilities.
Solution
Quadsat conducted a comprehensive evaluation of ALL.SPACE’s multi-beam ESA using its UAV-based measurement methodology. The test solution for ESAs includes assessment of the antenna’s radiation performance and evaluation of the key operational scenarios, including satellite passes, handover switching, and multibeam tracking.
The test was carried out in the UK in a field environment, and the following measurements were conducted:
- Full radiation patterns (raster scans)
- Tracking tests and handover tests
- G/T (Gain to Equivalent Noise Temperature Ratio)
- EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power).
Value Delivered
This was the first comprehensive field evaluation of an ESA, enabling ALL.SPACE to verify and gain valuable, unprecedented insights into the performance of its multi-beam ESA technology in real-world environments.
“At ALL.SPACE, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of satellite communications, and this evaluation with Quadsat is a critical milestone. By leveraging its cutting-edge UAV testing solutions, we’ve gained unprecedented insights into the performance of our multi-beam ESA technology in real-world environments. We’re not just testing – we’re shaping the future of satellite communications and how best to demonstrate world-leading performance and certify this for use in critical environments.”