KSAT expands KSATlite services with Ka-band for Smallsats

The company, a Norwegian ground network specialist with offices in Denver, describes it as the first commercial fully automated Ka-band network optimised for Smallsats.

KSATlite was already providing support for S-band uplink and downlink and X-band downlink – KSAT says the tri-band capabilities will help provide flexibility and improve network reliability.

Ka-band

Specifically, the “KSATlite Ka-band” network is combining S-band uplink (2025 – 2120MHz) and downlink (2200 – 2290MHz), X-band downlink (7750 – 8500MHz), and Ka-band downlink (25.5 – 27.0GHz) capabilities, says the company.

“The fully automated tri-band satellite communication network is enabling seamless communication across multiple frequency bands using a standardized 4-channel baseband unit. By integrating S-band uplink and downlink, X-band downlink, and Ka-band downlink capabilities, KSATlite Ka-band services offer flexibility, coverage, and efficiency for a wide range of applications.”

Antenna capacity

KSAT recently expanded its antenna capacity both in Antarctica and the United States.

The company, which has been installing four new antennas in Antarctica, at the Troll ground station (pictured), is also adding antennas in Hawaii, Alaska and the US Southeast.

It also announced it was expanding its footprint through other partner networks – such as Microsoft’s Azure Orbital, AWS-GS (via their Solution Provider Program) and Contec Korea – to form a “Network of Networks”.

“KSAT continues to invest in new technologies and remains at the forefront of Ground Network advancements,” said Marte Indregard, KSAT Chief Commercial Officer (pictured).

“The launch of the KSATlite Ka-band network showcases our ability to provide seamless and versatile connectivity solutions to our customers, with exceptional reliability and unmatched performance.”

Image: Marius Fiskum

See also: Nasa turns to KSAT, SpaceLink for commercialising Near Space comms