As satellite data volumes grow, Ka-band is emerging as a strategic enabler for fast, reliable and scalable space communications.

 

December 2025 – Space communications are entering a new phase as demand for data continues to accelerate. An often-used analogy compares today’s traditional frequency bands to congested highways, while Ka-band represents a wider, faster lane enabling smoother and more efficient data flows.

 

Ka-band offers a less congested spectrum than the historically used S-band (2–2.3 GHz) and X-band (7.9–8.4 GHz), both of which have become saturated following years of institutional and commercial use. Operating between 26.5 and 40 GHz, Ka-band is designed to support significantly higher data volumes and faster transmission speeds.

 

The growing adoption of Low Earth Orbit constellations, the expansion of high-resolution Earth observation, and rising demand for secure telecommunications are driving a sharp increase in satellite-generated data. Ka-band addresses these challenges by enabling very high data rates exceeding 1 Gbit/s, expanded spectral capacity across several gigahertz, reduced interference due to a less crowded frequency range, and natural alignment with fast-cadence and constellation-based missions.

 

Safran Space has positioned itself as a key player in Ka-band through a comprehensive space-to-ground offering. This includes Ka-band onboard equipment for telemetry, tracking and command, high-rate telemetry and Earth observation image downlink, with the latest generation already achieving its first commercial success.

 

The company’s solutions are operationally compatible with KSAT’s Ka-band ground infrastructure and include high-performance ground stations comprising antennas, RF chains and turnkey modems to ensure seamless continuity between orbit and ground. Safran Space is also participating in major programmes, including Eutelsat’s OneWeb megaconstellation, for which it has developed a custom-designed Ka-band product.

 

Beyond Ka-band, Safran Space offers a tri-band S, X and Ka capability, allowing satellite operators to combine high throughput with operational robustness. High-speed Ka-band supports rapid transfer of large data volumes, while S- and X-band provide reliability in demanding environments. This approach supports data-intensive applications such as Earth observation, scientific missions and near-real-time communications.

 

Ka-band is increasingly viewed as more than a technical evolution. It is becoming a critical enabler for the next generation of space missions, supporting rising traffic levels, ambitious constellations and the stringent requirements of critical applications. Safran Space continues to support this transition through its expertise, end-to-end offering and involvement in major commercial and institutional programmes.