Global Coverage – Near Real Time – On Demand – IP Based Communications
The Swift-Broadband Terminal for Spacecraft (SB-SAT) is a communications terminal designed for LEO applications that provides a bi-directional communications link to the LEO from the ground via the Inmarsat 4th Generation GEO Communications Satellite Constellation and the Inmarsat BGAN Network. SB-SAT provides near real-time communication access to the LEO satellite globally and without the need for dedicated groundstations or spectrum licenses.
The SB-SAT terminal together with the Inmarsat SB-SAT data service provides communications access to the SB-SAT equipped LEO satellite similar to the way in which the NASA TDRSS satellites do.
Using the constellation of existing Inmarsat GEO satellites as a relay, a spacecraft equipped with an SB-SAT terminal is accessible globally and in near-real time through Inmarsat’s BGAN network. Based on 3G technology, Inmarsat’s BGAN network provides IP connectivity to the SB-SAT terminal allowing the user to treat the SB-SAT equipped satellites as just another node on an IP network, either a closed one or the Internet.
The SB-SAT Terminal is jointly developed by Broad Reach Engineering and COM DEV Europe in partnership with Inmarsat. Development has started and first flight units are expected to be available in Q3/2012. A LEO demonstration mission is being planned for the fall of 2012.
Key System Features
- Uses Existing Inmarsat Communications Infrastructure
- Global Coverage
- Near Real-Time Access
- Near Continuous Data Link
- On-Demand Service Use
- No Requirement for Frequency License
- No Provisioning Delay – Stand-By Possible
- Multiple Geographically Co-Located Links (Formation Flying)
- Access from Anywhere On Earth via Internet/Inmarsat
- Competitive Equipment Cost
- Competitive Service Pricing
- Equipment Designed Specifically for Spacecraft Application
- Optional Data Encryption (AES Internal or MCU-110 External)
High Rate System Example
Dual Channel System with Articulated High Gain Antenna
- Dual Channel up to 984 kbps (Best Case)
- Full Duplex
- Multiple Antenna Options @ >14 dBi
- 2-Axis Articulated High Gain Antenna
- Electrically Steered Antenna Array
- Host Pointed High Gain Antenna
- Built-In Antenna Motor Controller Option
- Built-In L1 GPS Receiver
- <50 W Max. Power (Transmit)
- <20 W Nominal (Standby)
- <10 kg Including Antenna
Low Rate System Example
Low Rate System with Patch Antenna(s)
- Single Channel up to 48 kbps
- Full Duplex
- Fixed Medium Gain Patch Antenna(s) @ 6 dBi
- External GPS
- <25 W Max. Power (Transmit)
- <10 W Nominal (Standby)
- <3.5 kg
… and many more variations in between!
Inmarsat Swift-Broadband Terminal for Spacecraft
Global Coverage – Near Real Time – On Demand – IP Based Communications
The Swift-Broadband Terminal for Spacecraft (SB-SAT) is a communications terminal designed for LEO applications that provides a bi-directional communications link to the LEO from the ground via the Inmarsat 4th Generation GEO Communications Satellite Constellation and the Inmarsat BGAN Network. SB-SAT provides near real-time communication access to the LEO satellite globally and without the need for dedicated groundstations or spectrum licenses.
The SB-SAT terminal together with the Inmarsat SB-SAT data service provides communications access to the SB-SAT equipped LEO satellite similar to the way in which the NASA TDRSS satellites do.
Using the constellation of existing Inmarsat GEO satellites as a relay, a spacecraft equipped with an SB-SAT terminal is accessible globally and in near-real time through Inmarsat’s BGAN network. Based on 3G technology, Inmarsat’s BGAN network provides IP connectivity to the SB-SAT terminal allowing the user to treat the SB-SAT equipped satellites as just another node on an IP network, either a closed one or the Internet.
The SB-SAT Terminal is jointly developed by Broad Reach Engineering and COM DEV Europe in partnership with Inmarsat. Development has started and first flight units are expected to be available in Q3/2012. A LEO demonstration mission is being planned for the fall of 2012.
Key System Features
High Rate System Example
Dual Channel System with Articulated High Gain Antenna
Low Rate System Example
Low Rate System with Patch Antenna(s)
… and many more variations in between!