[Satellite TODAY 03-15-11] Globecomm Systems launched an auto-aligning VSAT antenna that uses band-specific feed cartridges with integrated RF electronics to enable in-field conversion between X-, Ka- and Ku-bands, Globecomm announced March 12.
    The Auto-Explorer 1.2-meter multi-band terminal supports OEM L-band modem products from CEFD, iDirect, Hughes and Viasat and is available in single-, dual- or tri-band configurations. The auto-acquisition terminals are Arstrat-certified for Ka-band WGS operation.
    “The ability to swap out feed cartridges in the field allows a single multi-band terminal to replace three existing single band terminals. This approach provides considerable cost savings to the warfighter and represents a significant addition to Globecomm’s product line of portable terminals,” Globecomm Vice President of Government Programs Michael Plourde said in a statement.
    Military requirements for Ka-band frequencies are driven by the availability of the Air Force’s WGS space segment operating in both X- and Ka-band. Recently, military officers have expected Ka-band terminals to take full advantage of the WGS Block-3 capability, which came online late last year.
    Globecomm’s new terminal seems to be an answer to several issues that Inmarsat President of Global Government Services Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch expressed in an interview with Satellite TODAY Insider with ground terminals being fielded. Cowen-Hirsch leads Inmarsat’s efforts on a $1.2 billion program to launch three Ka-band satellites that will be used to operate Inmarsat’s Global Xpress service beginning in 2014.
    “The military terminal segment lags woefully behind the availability of the space segment. Despite the fact that the space segment has given the ground segment all of the opportunities it needs to catch up with delays,” Cowen-Hirsch said. “The ability to switch between commercial Ka-band and military Ka-band on a single terminal [is behind]. If you look at the scope of which commercial Ku-band is used in the military and the programs that are in place to swap out Ku-band for Ka-band in battle theater environments, it becomes logical to view this capability as critical. Right now, there are no operational terminals or terminals being fielded that are able to tune between the adjacent military and commercial Ka-band frequencies.”

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