Harris Corporation (will build and demonstrate a prototype ground antenna system under a U.S. Air Force Defense Innovation Unit program designed to improve communications with the agency's growing number of satellites.

The prototype will feature multi-band, multi-mission, digital beam-forming phased array antennas to improve the Air Force's ground system capability. The phased array antennas would maintain contact with multiple satellites simultaneously, versus traditional dish antennas that can only support one contact at a time.

"The new Harris antenna system will help the Air Force address the need for efficient communications with its growing number of satellites on orbit," said Rob Mitrevski, vice president and general manager, Harris Environmental Solutions.

Harris will integrate proven technology into the prototype system, taking the first step toward a space capability that simultaneously contacts hundreds of satellites in all orbits, as well as tracks launch vehicles for the Air Force Satellite Control Network and Launch and Test Range System.

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Navy to transfer future satcom programs to Air Force
Washington (UPI) May 30, 2019
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