The technology for Telesat Lightspeed Constellation will enhance global broadband connectivity for commercial, government and defence markets
Analog Devices in collaboration with the Canadian space intelligence organisation, MDA has announced to deliver beamforming integrated circuit (BFIC) that will be used in MDA’s sophisticated phased array antenna for the Telesat Lightspeed low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation
Instead of a fixed position, LEO satellites operate by moving across the sky and dynamically steer communication beams for maintaining uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity to ground terminals. The new BFIC solution is highly reliable while performing under extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation for the full 10 to 12-year lifespan of each satellite.
“Electronically steered array technology is a necessity for the builders and operators of the next generation of LEO constellations. This technology provides MDA and Telesat with the ability to simultaneously steer multiple beams and allows beams to be rapidly repositioned at speeds that are not possible with mechanical systems,” said Bryan Goldstein, Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at Analog Devices.
“The collaboration with ADI has enabled MDA to develop the critical solutions required to perform electronic beam steering on the Telesat Lightspeed antennas,” said Amer Khouri, Vice President of Satellite Systems, MDA. “We look forward to continuing this journey together and producing the large number of antennas required for this groundbreaking program.”
Telesat Lightspeed initially comprised 298 next-gen satellites and is planned for launch in the second half of 2023, redefining global broadband connectivity for commercial, government and defence markets.
