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From ocean to orbit: the thriving maritime satellite sector

Allen Hsieh, Taipei; Vyra Wu, DIGITIMES Asia 0

Credit: European Space Agency

In the vast expanse of maritime affairs, a technological tide is turning, driven by the clarity of satellite communication's application. Once dominated by antennas connecting geosynchronous (GSO) and medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, the maritime landscape is now witnessing a transformative wave, courtesy of the burgeoning presence of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This seismic shift is not merely reshaping maritime connectivity but also propelling the momentum for the evolution of antiquated antennas.

Enter Gemini Microwave, a collaborative venture between satellite system agents Samsan, and antenna measurement experts Bwant, and Jebsee. With a keen focus on research, design, and manufacturing of satellite terminal equipment, Gemini Microwave stands at the helm of this maritime revolution.

Taiwan's maritime sector is a testament to the broad spectrum of satellite applications, from deep-sea fishing to luxury yachts. With stringent demands for satellite communication permeating every facet, the maritime industry is poised to become the epicenter of LEO satellite proliferation.

Before the dawn of LEO satellites, the maritime realm relied heavily on large electronic scanning antennas atop aircraft, shielded from the marine elements by protective covers. However, the advent of SpaceX's Starlink has heralded a paradigm shift in the antenna market, embracing electronically steered phased-array satellite terminals, renowned for their agility and efficiency.

Yet, with every technological leap comes its own set of challenges. LEO satellite ground stations demand a sophisticated array of antennas, chips, and beamforming algorithms to navigate the celestial expanse. Moreover, the dynamic maritime environment necessitates adaptive measures for temperature, humidity, and attitude control, presenting a formidable test for industry players.

In the ever-expanding cosmos of satellite communication, the rise of LEO satellites has ushered in a new era while ensuring the continued relevance of GSO and MEO counterparts. As the industry charts its course towards 6G and beyond, the geopolitical landscape adds another layer of intrigue, ensuring that the satellite industry remains a captivating narrative in the annals of technological evolution.

As the frequency of satellite launches surges, particularly in the LEO realm, the blueprint for antenna design has undergone a revolutionary overhaul. Modular concepts promise simplified assembly and expansion, while lightweight, high-gain terminal antennas herald a future where connectivity knows no bounds, even in the most challenging maritime scenarios.

Amidst the relentless pursuit of innovation, the satellite industry retains its unique allure, where fierce competition converges with unparalleled opportunities. The maritime domain inches closer to a seamless convergence of connectivity and navigation with each satellite launch, signaling a new dawn in maritime communication, powered by the boundless possibilities of satellite technology.