Spacecom, ST Engineering iDirect Demonstrate VSAT Return on AMOS-17

Artist’s rendition of the Amos 17 satellite based on the BSS-702MP bus. Image Credit: Boeing

Spacecom and ST Engineering iDirect have demonstrated VSAT return capabilities on the AMOS-17 satellite, the partner companies announced Tuesday. They reported the demonstration resulted in an “exceptionally” wide return link for a small VSAT of 40 Mbps using the iDirect iQ 200 modem’s Adaptive TDMA return over AMOS-17’s high power C-band HTS beams. 

Conducted from the U.K.-based SMS Teleport, the modem and antenna were installed in a communications truck located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa. The return data rate enabled simultaneous transmission of multiple high data streams from South Africa to Europe with a small antenna, resulting in the low-power Communications-on-the-Pause (COTP) solution. The companies said this opens up operational and business opportunities such as emergency deployments, government applications, coverage of events, and backhaul services.

“By utilizing the iDirect Evolution platform and iQ 200, we can now offer a unique low footprint, low power and high capacity return links from any remote location, enabling users to enter new markets and facilitate new applications,” said Tsachi Dahan, Spacecom vice president of Vertical Solutions. “AMOS-17’s C-Band spot beams provide superior throughput and efficiencies over Sub-Saharan Africa with connections to Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia. We look forward to presenting this unique value proposition to our customers brought about by this combination of satellite and ground segment.”