From ISR to EO - An Optimized Terminal

For ground station service providers, and others engaged in Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), there is considerable overlap between ISR and commercial Earth Observation (EO). This can include shared facilities, and for some requirements even shared use of ‘traditional’ EO antennas.

Our TerraLink 370 ISR was designed for the flexibility and broader range of requirements for ISR. This includes larger, higher power RF, unique and additional band coverages, and ability to integrate bespoke baseband and other units. With EO and ISR closely linked in many of their requirements, we recognized that many elements in the TerraLink 370 ISR would be highly applicable for EO. Working together with ground station providers and EO operators, we looked at ways to simplify and optimize the platform for EO, while delivering a number of benefits associated with commonality, ability to scale, support, and cost.

Some of the specific areas that translated well were:

Flexible design
Rather than tying our customers into using everything from one supplier, we have built in flexibility enabling them to integrate either our own RF units or to use other products from other vendors alongside our antenna. Integration is seamless ensuring they still get the best performance possible with their chosen setup.

Band selection
While many ISR and EO applications will use S or X band, being able to use other bands and easily select and switch as required, is becoming an important factor for many. TerraLink can be used on S, X, or Ka-band, and enables easy switching between them.

Robust Hardware for Reliable Performance
With a long standing and large installed base of VSATs, TVROs, and tracking antennas, our approach has always been to design for reliability. Not only does this minimise potential customer outages and avoid lengthy support call-outs, it also keeps our customers coming back for new systems. Our TerraLink antennas are no exception. Having robust hardware is particularly important as many of these systems will be deployed in extreme environments. That is why we have designed it with a robust pedestal and well-matched actuators, rather than focusing on minimum weight and the smallest possible motors. Our ground station customers have also stressed that they prefer high reliability, robustness to survive dings and excesses, and solid, long-term performance over more delicate, weight-optimized alternatives.  

While ground station service providers will periodically have special requirements, we designed the TerraLink 370 EO as a complete, pre-tested, ready to install terminal.   Derived from the 370 ISR and working closely with our customer base and others in the EO community,  it leverages a heritage of reliability and straightforward interfaces and operation. We have commenced manufacturing in our Accrington, UK facility.  Check back soon for an update!