Telesat’s LEO constellation orbit. Photo: Telesat

Ball Aerospace successfully completed the first communication demonstration between Telesat‘s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Phase 1 satellite and Ball’s fully electronically-steered flat panel antenna at Telesat’s Allan Park ground station in Ontario, Canada. Ball and Telesat are collaborating on the development of satellite communications terminals based on Ball’s antenna technology.

As part of the demonstration, Ball’s electronically-steered antenna tracked and communicated with the Telesat LEO Phase 1 satellite and captured real-time video data, which showcased the low latency characteristics of the Telesat LEO system. Electronically-steered flat panel antennas enable non-stationary satellite tracking and support quick and seamless switching between satellites, which is necessary for large LEO constellations. In addition, electronically-steered antennas have enhanced reliability due to no moving parts, are easy to install and may be manufactured in volume at low cost.

“For decades, Ball Aerospace has been developing and building electronically-steered flat panel antennas for military and government customers,” said Ball Aerospace Vice President (VP) and General Manager of Tactical Solutions Rob Freedman. We’re thrilled to work with Telesat to demonstrate this technology for their LEO satellite constellation and other commercial applications.”