CPI Vertex Antennentechnik To Provide Ka-band Antennas For SES's O3b Mpower Program

15 September 2023

CPI Vertex Antennentechnik, a subsidiary of Communications & Power Industries (CPI), has secured the contract to supply high-performance Ka-band antenna systems to SES for its O3b mPOWER communications system. These 5.5-meter Ka-band tracking antennas, part of the "plug and play" series, will serve as ground-based units for the O3b mPOWER Gateway systems.

SES's O3b mPOWER system represents the next-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, building upon the success of the existing O3b system. Designed to provide robust connectivity services to a wide range of users worldwide, including enterprises, telecommunications operators, internet service providers, cloud providers, cruise operators, governments, and institutions, O3b mPOWER will complement their existing communication infrastructure. The system aims to offer industry-leading throughput, predictable performance, highly available satellite networks, and is slated for operational deployment by the end of 2023.

CPI Vertex Antennentechnik stands as a prominent provider of high-performance satellite communication antennas. Their modular antenna systems are engineered to support Ka-band and Q/V-band satellites, delivering flexibility and scalability while ensuring exceptional RF (radio-frequency) performance and high-data throughput. These antennas will play a crucial role in the O3b mPOWER system, providing high-speed and dependable connectivity for a diverse range of government and commercial applications.

Milton Torres, Chief Technical Officer of SES, emphasized the collaborative efforts between SES and CPI Vertex Antennentechnik in developing these antenna systems over the past few years. The "plug and play" design by CPI considerably reduces onsite deployment time compared to typical antenna systems of this caliber. It delivers superior RF performance without requiring specialized tools or training. In addition to serving as Gateway systems, CPI's Ka-band antenna systems are poised to provide reliable and robust solutions for both commercial and government customers.

Peter Fasel, Managing Director of CPI Vertex Antennentechnik, highlighted the close partnership with SES, spanning nearly two years of development for the customized "plug and play" antennas tailored to the O3b mPOWER program. As a global communications technology company, they swiftly addressed SES's requirements, progressing from design concept to prototype delivery by December 2022. The collaboration continues to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.


Source: prnewswire.com