High-Throughput Multi-Beam Antenna Solution

Deliver always-on connectivity to space, air, and ground platforms with CesiumAstro’s Skylark Ka-band SATCOM terminal. The flat-panel AESA provides reliable, high-speed throughput with zero moving parts. Seamless hand-off between multiple constellations and multiple orbits with multiple beams.
Starling picture by NASA | CesiumAstro

KEY Features

Multi-Constellation Connectivity

Broad Ka-band frequency coverage with software-defined functions enables seamless simultaneous connectivity to multiple constellations.

Make-Before-Break Handover

Maximize quality of service and eliminate disruptions with seamless satellite-to-satellite handover between orbits and networks.

Software-Defined Optimization

Optimize performance while maximizing flexibility with software-defined functionality and software enabled upgrades.

Scalable Platform

Tile-based architecture allows the antenna to scale to support many platforms, both large and small, spanning aircraft, ships, vehicles, drones, and spacecraft.

Modular Architecture

Antenna is built to an open architecture to allow you to integrate your modem of choice, enabling client customization with minimal non-recurring engineering (NRE).

Low-Profile Design

Ultra-thin array minimizes the profile signature on a host platform.

Starling picture by NASA | CesiumAstro

Multi-Constellation, Multi-Orbit Opperation

The Skylark terminal is constellation agnostic allowing roaming across multiple networks using the modem of your choice. Multiple antenna options support commercial and Government missions.

Connectivity Across All Domains

Starling picture by NASA | CesiumAstro

SPACE

Data relay missions, like those defined for NASA Commercial Services Project (CSP), require connectivity to multiple networks from space. CesiumAstro’s active phased array technology offers a rugged steerable, flat panel, backhaul option through LEO, MEO, or GEO satellites.

AIR

As airborne terminals transition from GEO to MEO and LEO constellation connectivity, CesiumAstro’s lower latency/low-SWaP antenna solution provides service to aircraft, helicopters, and UAS platforms with a scalable antenna architecture.

GROUND

Reliable, low-profile solutions are critical for defense applications to keep vehicles and equipment connected. Active phased arrays of different shapes, sizes, allow SATCOM capability to be integrated into every asset.

Commercial And Defense Applications

Starling picture by NASA | CesiumAstro

COMMERCIAL

Commercial aircraft can take advantage of constellation connectivity across multiple orbits for more robust, cost-optimized data solutions. CesiumAstro's Skylark SATCOM terminal reduces installation and maintenance complexity without sacrificing performance. The flat-panel SATCOM terminal provides next-generation performance in multiple configurations.

DEFENSE

Modern-day battlefield requirements include low-latency, high bandwidth connections to sensors and weapons systems in contested environments. CesiumAstro’s Skylark SATCOM terminal provides a rugged solution for connectivity among a range of platforms providing a robust connectivity solution. The antenna is scalable to support UASs, aircraft, vehicles, and ships.

Active Phased Array Technology

Built upon CesiumAstro’s industry-leading active phased array technology, the flat-panel array has zero moving parts, lowering over all maintenance requirements and providing a more reliable solution as compared to mechanically steered antennas.

Starling picture by NASA | CesiumAstro

Mechanical View

System Architecture

The terminal’s tightly integrated multi-beam architecture includes two tiled arrays—one for transmit and one for receive—scalable to small, medium, or large form factors.

View Specifications
Nightingale 1 System Diagram | CesiumAstro

Product Specifications

Form Factor
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
Array
TX
RX
TX
RX
TX
RX
Size (in)
9" x 9"
9" x 9"
12" x12"
18" x 18"
15" x 15"
36" x 36"
# Tiles
7
4
13
12
19
24
# Elements
1344
864
2496
2592
3648
5184
Weight (Lbs)
20
34
40
68
60
136
Peak DC Power (W)
300
140
600
360
900
550
Freq. Range (Ghz)
27.5 - 31.0
17.7 – 21.2
27.5 - 31.0
17.7 – 21.2
27.5 - 31.0
17.7 – 21.2
EIRP @ P1db (dbW)
47
-
52
-
56
-
G/T (db/K)
-
8
-
12
-
15
# of Beams
1
2
1
2
1
2
Max Steering Angle
+-60
+-60
+-60
+-60
+-60
+-60

Additional Resources

A full suite of documentation is available to support integration of Skylark into your mission. Our team stands ready to support you. Contact us for technical specifications or to discuss your programming challenges.

Email Us