GATR FLEX SATCOM Antenna Terminal

ABSTRACT:This project will develop, test, and deliver a lightweight satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal that uses a flexible parabolic reflector antenna that can be folded or rolled for storage, yet re-acquire its precision shape upon deployment. This Phase II SBIR will assist in maturing GATRs flexible antenna component technologies, and integrating those technologies with leading-edge modem and baseband technologies. The fully developed concept will result in a micro-Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) SATCOM terminal with the best Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) in its class. This effort will analyze promising antenna materials, and test them both for RF performance, as well as their capabilities to be stored in small confined spaces prior to being deployed for operational use. Testing of the integrated terminal will performed to meet commercial satellite operation and operation on the WGS military satellite constellation. A fully integrated terminal will be delivered to U.S. Special Operations Command for integration testing and user feedback.BENEFIT:This technology will be particularly beneficial to military organizations and disaster response organizations that require SATCOM capabilities that are airline overhead checkable, transportable by one person, and yet provide throughput capabilities equivalent to much heavier and bulkier SATCOM solutions. For Special Operations Forces (SOF), this technology will enable SATCOM capabilities to/from remote, harsh, unfriendly, or denied areas thereby enabling a wider variety of SATCOM support to operational missions than currently available.