QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH (QEST) has signed a development contract for a Telesat Lightspeed Aero Flat Panel Antenna (FPA).
Under the agreement, QEST will extend its patented FPA antenna technology for Telesat Lightspeed. This includes the development of the transmit and receive antenna apertures, radio frequency (RF) components and the antenna control unit.
The QEST-designed Telesat Lightspeed FPA is expected to provide high reliability with low power consumption and no active cooling required. The companies expect the equipment to support data rates over one gigabit per second on the Telesat Lightspeed network.
Aneesh Dalvi, Vice President of Lightspeed Systems Development for Telesat, commented: “We’re excited to work with QEST to bring their innovative antenna technology to market for the Telesat Lightspeed network. Building on our open architecture antenna ecosystem approach, QEST’s technology is well-positioned to provide LEO-optimised solutions as well as multi-network and multi-orbit operations, providing increased options and flexibility for inflight connectivity service providers and their customers.”
Michael Seifried, Chief Technology Officer of QEST, commented: “We believe that the superior antenna technology of QEST, combined with the Telesat Lightspeed network, will deliver the high data rates required for the demanding aviation market. QEST is excited to collaborate on Telesat’s dynamic and flexible network infrastructure to transform the aviation industry.”
