Rendering of SES O3b Constellation. Photo: SES

SES Space & Defense placed an order with Comtech for next-generation modems to operate on the O3b mPOWER constellation. The order announced Tuesday is for the software-defined SLM-5650B and other next-generation modems. Initial quantities under this new contract are expected to be delivered over the next year. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

The SLM-5650B is Comtech’s current Wideband Global Satcom (WGS)-certified modem designed for commercial backhaul and government and military applications. The modem currently supports multiple Department of Defense and NATO waveforms including DVB-S2X, the preferred waveform for SES’ O3b mPOWER constellation. It also has the ability to add more waveforms.

“We choose customer mission success first. Comtech’s SLM modem series includes features that are unique and critical to our customers’ missions,” said David Fields, President and CEO of SES Space & Defense. “[Comtech’s] experience developing and manufacturing defense-oriented modems that are ‘allied by design’ with footprints in many domestic and international programs of records make it an easy decision.”