Innovative technology promises seamless switching across satellite networks, boosting defense communications
Today, Kymeta Corp., based in Redmond, Washington, announced the launch of a revolutionary antenna system designed to significantly enhance U.S. military communication capabilities. The new antenna is expected to improve connectivity in contested environments by delivering multiband access to various satellite networks simultaneously, thus countering adversary jamming attempts.
A Technological Breakthrough in Satellite Connectivity
Kymeta’s CEO, Rick Bergman, described the development as a “holy grail” for military communications. “This antenna enables the Department of Defense to jump effortlessly between different SATCOM networks—both military and commercial—adding unparalleled flexibility and resiliency,” he told Breaking Defense. “If one network gets jammed or goes down, you can instantly switch to another, maintaining critical communications in dynamic threat environments.”
Multi-Orbit, Multiband Capabilities
Bergman emphasized that the antenna can seamlessly switch between satellite constellations across multiple orbits, from high geostationary (GEO) to low Earth orbit (LEO). “It’s arguably the ultimate solution for resilient connectivity,” he added.
Supporting the Future of DoD Satellite Ecosystems
Supporting both military and commercial customers, Kymeta’s innovative antenna qualifies under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) and Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) $2.5 billion Complex Commercial SATCOM Solutions (CS3) contract. This contract facilitates rapid acquisition of advanced commercial SATCOM solutions tailored to a wide array of defense needs.
Addressing the Space Force’s SATCOM Vision
Ryan Stevenson, Kymeta’s chief scientist, highlighted that the design aligns with the U.S. Space Force’s 2020 SATCOM Vision white paper, which envisioned a universal user terminal capable of interoperating across frequency bands and satellite orbits—something that had remained unachieved until now.
Cutting-Edge Multiband, Multi-Beam Technology
The new antenna is described as a “world-first,” capable of providing multiband connectivity with four simultaneous beams in both Ku- and Ka-band frequencies through a single aperture, according to Kymeta’s press release.
- Ku-band (10.7—14.5 GHz): Widely used by commercial SATCOM operators for ground links.
- Ka-band (17.7—31 GHz): Facilitates high-speed data transmission, supporting broadband Internet and high-capacity military communications, including the Space Force’s legacy Wideband Global SATCOM satellites and reconnaissance payloads.
Overcoming Limitations of Existing Antennas
Until now, interoperability across Ku and Ka bands required separate electronic steering antennas (ESAs), which were bulky and power-consuming—limitations problematic for mobile military systems. Kymeta’s innovation consolidates multiband capability into a single compact, low-power antenna, significantly improving space and energy efficiency.
Stevenson pointed out that the reduced power use also translates into lower weight—crucial for battlefield mobile platforms. “Power consumption is often the biggest constraint for these systems,” he explained.
Enhanced Stealth and Interference Resistance
Additionally, Kymeta’s antenna features a smaller electromagnetic and thermal signature, reducing detectability. “Sharing the same aperture across sub-arrays yields much narrower receive beams, making the system less susceptible to interference or jamming,” Stevenson added. “It also results in more directed transmit beams, making it harder for adversaries to detect your signals compared to traditional phased array systems.”
This suite of features positions Kymeta’s antenna as a game-changer for battlefield communications, where signature management, resilience, and flexibility are critical.
With this innovation, Kymeta is set to redefine mobile military satellite communications, aligning with the Pentagon’s strategic goals for more agile, secure, and jam-resistant connectivity in complex operational environments.
