[Satnews] Inmarsat announces a new partnership with EM Solutions to develop the world’s first combined MilSatCom/Global Xpress (GX) maritime SATCOM terminal.
The new terminal is scheduled to receive full Inmarsat accreditation during Q2 2016 and will be submitted for Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) certification.
The new terminal, which is initially being created for an Australian Government customer, will contain a number of innovative features, including tracking via monopulse technology and easy switching between GX and MilSatCom systems. The terminal will also be substantially lighter, lower cost and faster than any comparable MILSATCOM device.
Based on its land mobile terminal for the Ka-band, EM Solutions is also contracted to deliver a simultaneous X-/Ka-band maritime terminal for another customer, which provided the baseline reference for the new program in conjunction with Inmarsat. EM Solutions adopted an innovative approach to the development of its satellite terminals, adopting monopulse tracking techniques that provide exceptional accuracy and stability in addition to reducing the demand on motors and other moving parts, which minimizes power, weight and operational stress.
EM Solutions' Diamond Series Ka- Multi band BUCs and
SSPA product family.
As a specialized developer of RF components and subsystems for the Satcom industry, the new terminals will use EM Solution’s Diamond Series Ka Mulitband Block Up Converters, which use the latest in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology and cover commercial and military Ka- frequency bands in a highly efficient, single package. This family of maritime terminals is known as the COBRA series and will be further developed for other capabilities in the near future.
Andy Start, President, Inmarsat Global Government, said, “Today’s announcement is a further example of Inmarsat’s strategy of responding quickly and effectively to customer demands. In this instance, the Australian Government customer was looking to increase the operational capabilities of their satellite communications within significant budget constraints and the requirement to reduce the footprint of satellite equipment on-board its new vessels. We are seeing a growing understanding within government SATCOM circles of the important role that commercial satellite communications can play in augmenting existing MilSatCom capabilities. Partners, such as EM Solutions, play a vital role in helping us to develop new solutions, which are tailored specifically for government users."
Dr. Rowan Gilmore, CEO of EM Solutions, said, “We have been working on this product platform for a number of years and the opportunity presented itself to take a product through both Inmarsat GX certification and ultimately WGS certification to deliver a unique offering to an Australian Government customer. We believe this terminal will be the first jointly certified system to enable automatic switching between MilSatCom and Inmarsat GX satellite systems.”
Additionally, Inmarsat and Turksat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities through the formation of a strategic partnership, initially focused on the defence and aviation sectors.
Under the MoU, Inmarsat would be the preferred mobile satellite communications provider for Turksat. As an existing provider of VSAT services to the Turkish government and commercial sector, the addition of Inmarsat’s portfolio of services will significantly enhance Turksat’s offering. Turksat’s strong links across the Caucuses and Central Asia will enable Inmarsat to increase its penetration in this region of the world.
Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat, said, “This is an excellent opportunity for both companies to explore new opportunities. We value all of our partnerships and hope to develop a long-lasting and mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Turksat in the coming months.”
Ensar GÜL, CEO, Turksat, said, “We hope that with this MOU, Turksat and Inmarsat’s partnership programme will develop a long-term fruitful cooperation. The main objective of this partnership is to broaden product and service portfolio of both companies.”
