Insider Brief
- SWISSto12 has been selected by SES to develop a large aperture electronically steered antenna for user terminals supporting the O3b mPOWER MEO satellite constellation.
- The antenna aims to replace traditional mechanically motorized systems with a cost-efficient, resilient, and low-maintenance alternative, leveraging SWISSto12’s proprietary 3D printing technology.
- SES expects the additive-manufactured solution to provide an optimal balance of performance and cost, enhancing cellular backhaul capabilities for remote connectivity applications.
PRESS RELEASE — SWISSto12, one of the world’s fastest-growing Radio Frequency (RF) product and GEO small satellite manufacturers has been selected by SES to develop innovative large aperture electronically steered antenna for its customer user terminals for its second generation medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation, O3b mPOWER. O3b mPOWER – operational since 2024 – is designed to bring high-performance connectivity to even the most remote regions.
SWISSto12’s innovative antenna represents a low-cost, efficient, resilient and low maintenance solution replacing traditional mechanically motorized antennas without the performance penalty usually associated with active arrays. It is intended especially for mobile backhauling customers. SWISSto12 offers a broad portfolio of antenna systems, leveraging the company’s innovative designs and proprietary 3D printing technology to deliver next-generation RF communication and sensing products qualified for maritime, airborne and ground applications.
Mathieu Billod, Head of Satcom User Terminals at SWISSto12, said: “SWISSto12 is proud to collaborate with SES – a leading satellite operator with the highest technical requirements – for the development of innovative full duplex Ka band shared aperture, cost-efficient, electronically steered antenna for the benefit of users globally.”
Jean-Pierre Choffray, VP of Systems Engineering at SES said: “SES is excited to collaborate with SWISSto12 to develop groundbreaking and innovative electronically steered antennas for cellular backhaul applications via SES’s O3b mPOWER fleet. SWISSto12’s solution which utilises additive manufacturing is anticipated to offer a highly compelling performance and cost trade-off, crucial for this demanding application. This solution is expected to deliver the benefits of electronic steering typically associated with small-sized active arrays.”
Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Space Impulse since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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