SWISSto12 to 3D print O3b mPOWER ground terminals for SES
The antenna is designed to bring high-performance connectivity to even the most remote regions
SWISSto12, a producer of radio frequency (RF) products and GEO small satellites, has been selected by SES, a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, to develop an innovative large aperture, electronically-steered antenna for its customer user terminals for its second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation, O3b mPOWER. O3b mPOWER is designed to bring high-performance connectivity to even the most remote regions.
SWISSto12’s antenna represents a low-cost, efficient, resilient, and low-maintenance solution – replacing traditional mechanically motorized antennas without the performance penalty usually associated with active arrays. It is intended especially for mobile backhauling customers. The company offers a broad portfolio of antenna systems – leveraging its innovative designs and proprietary 3D printing technology to deliver next-generation RF communication and sensing products qualified for maritime, airborne, and ground applications.
“SWISSto12 is proud to collaborate with SES – a leading satellite operator with the highest technical requirements – for the development of innovative full-duplex Ka band shared aperture, cost-efficient, electronically steered antenna for the benefit of users globally,” said Mathieu Billod, Head of Satcom User Terminals at SWISSto12,
“SES is excited to collaborate with SWISSto12 to develop groundbreaking and innovative electronically steered antennas for cellular backhaul applications via SES’s O3b mPOWER fleet. SWISSto12’s solution which utilizes additive manufacturing is anticipated to offer a highly compelling performance and cost trade-off, crucial for this demanding application. This solution is expected to deliver the benefits of electronic steering typically associated with small-sized active arrays,” said Jean-Pierre Choffray, VP of Systems Engineering at SES.
