In the ever-advancing world of space exploration, the need for cutting-edge technology has never been more vital. Safran Data Systems, a global leader in aerospace and defense, is spearheading innovation with the development of electronically scanned antennas that are set to revolutionize communication with space. These state-of-the-art “flat” antennas, which eliminate the need for mechanical movement, are poised to enhance our ability to track satellites in low Earth orbit, opening up a new frontier in space exploration.
Electronically Scanned Antennas: A Technological Marvel
Whether it’s for defense projects or civil satellite constellations, electronically scanned antennas represent a significant technological breakthrough. Safran Data Systems’ antennas are equipped with electronic components that allow for precise control over antenna directivity and pointing directions. They can even multiply the number of beams, enhancing their versatility for various applications. Furthermore, the compactness and discreet installation possibilities of these antennas make them ideal for electromagnetic intelligence gathering, a critical aspect of modern space communication.
With the support of the Centre national d’études spatiales (CNES), an S-band hybrid prototype has been successfully developed and is currently operational. This antenna will undergo rigorous testing in satellite reception and spacecraft telemetry until mid-2024. The next phase of this groundbreaking technology includes industrialization and product launch.
These antennas will complement Safran’s existing range, including the IRIS, LEGION, VISION, ORION, and SPARTE antennas.
Safran’s Pioneering Role in the Antenna Market
The development of these electronically scanned antennas is the result of a journey that began in 2014 when Safran Data Systems partnered with the X-Selans joint laboratory, in collaboration with the XLIM university laboratory in Limoges. This joint effort has led to the realisation of this cutting-edge technology, with both financial and technical support from CNES.
Safran Data Systems’ vision goes beyond just developing antennas; their ambition is to create the future generation of ground stations for communication with space. This endeavor aligns with their aim to solidify their position as a global leader in ground stations for the space and flight test markets.
Power and Precision with Safran AESA Antennas
Safran has been a frontrunner in offering a complete range of antennas for airborne, naval, and land-based applications. These antennas consist of multiple modules, each capable of generating and directing its own radar beam, resulting in rapid and accurate scanning over a wide area. This technology outperforms traditional radar antennas, and it has been integrated into various military and civil aircraft programs, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These advanced antennas have substantially improved the performance of radar systems and have paved the way for Safran’s unique Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, known as Sibylline, which further optimizes performance and reliability.
Contributing to Space Conquest
Safran Data Systems is actively involved in other antenna projects within the same segment, including the CHOSE (Connectivité Haut Débit Optique et SatellitairE) project, which aims to demonstrate a Ka-band 2D electronically scanned antenna for in-flight aircraft connectivity, and the SHIFT (Sustainable tecHnologIes enabling Future Telecom applications) project, funded by the European Union, which seeks to showcase an X-band multi-contact electronic scanning antenna capable of receiving signals from two satellites simultaneously for image telemetry. This active participation in large-scale collaborative projects underscores the maturity and reliability of Safran’s solutions in the highly competitive and strategically important space sector.
The Future of Space Communication
To understand how these electronically scanned antennas work, we can use the analogy of an ear. Like an ear receiving sound waves, an antenna picks up signals from space. Traditionally, like moving one’s head to listen better, antennas required mechanical movement to orient their reflectors toward satellites. However, electronically scanned antennas operate differently. They can listen with optimum quality in a chosen direction without moving, much like an ear that can focus on multiple conversations simultaneously.
Safran Data Systems’ electronically scanned antennas are at the forefront of satellite technology, propelling us closer to a future of more precise and efficient space connectivity. These antennas are opening doors to a new era of space exploration, where communication with space is more reliable and accessible than ever before. Safran’s commitment to innovation is paving the way for a future where the cosmos is just a signal away.
