An Earth Observation Ground Station Starter Kit

Our TerraLink 370 EO (Earth Observation) terminals offer multi-orbit, S/X and optional Ka-band capabilities, and have been designed for ease of installation on pads, frames, or rooftops. However, one customer came to us with a different challenge. Could we make a TerraLink 370, but with the capability to ship and quickly set up on one green field site, before dismantling and moving to a new greenfield site as required.

EO installations can be lengthy processes. This might involve waiting for permits for a permanent structure, or there can be delays in building or preparing the site. In particular, building out or curing concrete pads, or setting up rooftop mounts can often be delayed by weather in high latitudes. In most cases, this would simply mean service cannot begin until those challenges have been ironed out. Having a fully transportable and temporary structure version would enable the customer to commence service while waiting on a permanent installation. It also means that even once a permanent structure has been finalised, the transportable terminal is always available to accelerate network expansion, shift capabilities, and for service restoration.

Of course, this problem is nothing new and there have been other approaches including weight-optimized frames and braces, and customized vehicles. The problem is these are usually one-off solutions with high cost and long schedules. We set out instead to create something that could be transportable and reinstallable. Using standard shipping containers as the base, while perhaps not aesthetically pleasing, seemed to be the perfect solution.  

The customer also appreciated the approach, development is underway at our Accrington, UK manufacturing facility.   The containers are sized for shipping the complete terminal -- antenna, protective low-loss radome, any required heating/cooling based on location, and electronics, but can also serve to house auxiliaries and other incidentals on site.   

What also makes this solution work is the TerraLink pedestal and our tracking system, which allows full, accurate tracking operation with some alignment errors.   While this customer opted for green, we are also happy to provide containers in a colour of your choice!