Lockheed Martin has partnered with Firefly Aerospace to launch a satellite antenna in December. This collaboration demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to developing faster and more adaptable technology for space missions.
![Lockheed-Martin-ESA-Payload-Demonstrator](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lockheed-Martin-ESA-Payload-Demonstrator-1024x576-1.jpg)
The new antenna, weighing less than 300 pounds, is an electronically steerable antenna (ESA) that can adjust its beams electronically, removing the need for moving parts. This provides the way for significant advancements in satellite communication, particularly for broadband services like in-flight internet.
The key feature of this ESA is its use of digital beam-forming technology. This allows satellites to target communication beams to specific high-traffic areas, maximizing bandwidth efficiency. This is a game-changer for applications where speed is critical, such as providing internet access on airplanes.
Lockheed Martin goal to showcase this antenna’s exceptional speed in calibration and activation. They are confident this technology can be operational much faster than previous antenna systems.
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“The payload was specifically designed for mission speed in space applications,” said Paul Pelley, Senior Director of Global Security at Lockheed Martin Space. Their goal is to not only demonstrate the antenna’s rapid functionality but also its affordability by using commercially available technology.
This mission is part of Lockheed Martin’s ongoing initiative to demonstrate their investment in advanced space technologies. They are particularly focused on showcasing mature technology that can be easily integrated into government missions. Lockheed Martin highlights that customer feedback wants the need for faster mission accomplishment, and their new ESAs are designed to solve this need with their coordination and powerful communication capabilities.
This December launch is just one of several exciting space technology demonstrations planned by Lockheed Martin. They also have missions in the works to showcase web networking between satellites (Pony Express 2) and on-orbit data processing for intelligence gathering (Tactical Satellite).
Lockheed Martin’s dedication to innovation in space technology was shown in their successful launch and testing of two communication satellites in 2022. These satellites demonstrated cutting-edge technologies for servicing satellites while they are in orbit. The upcoming demonstrations solidify Lockheed Martin’s position as a leader in pushing the boundaries of space exploration and communication.
The Team, M31Global News