SES O3b mPOWER constellation. Photo: SES

Viasat revealed Tuesday that its phased array flat panel antenna, which was selected by SES for the O3b mPower satcom system in 2018, has entered the Test Readiness Review (TRR) stage. TRR is the final stage of testing to verify compliance with the antenna’s performance requirements. Viasat expects the first phased array prototype to be delivered to SES early in 2021.

Viasat’s phased array antenna will be offered in multiple sizes, for use in both fixed and mobile broadband applications. For SES’s O3b mPOWER Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) system, the phased array antenna will operate on Ka-band, but a different version of the antenna can be made to operate on Ku-band.

“Back in 2018 Viasat became a partner in our O3b mPOWER innovation ecosystem. Now with Viasat entering the final testing phase of its phased array terminal technology, we are another step closer to providing advanced levels of connectivity on a global scale,” said Stewart Sanders, Executive Vice President (EVP), O3b mPOWER Program Lead at SES. “The flexibility designed into the Viasat phased array antenna will enable our current O3b constellation of 20 MEO satellites and next-generation O3b mPOWER system to bring reliable, high-speed broadband communications for our government, enterprise and mobility customers.”