Viasat : Ken Buer on phased array antenna technology
April 20, 2022 at 08:05 am EDT
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Apr 20 2022Space Systems
Ken Buer on phased array antenna technology
How Commercial Satellite Internet applications will be driven by electronic beamforming
Alex Miller
In this episode of the Viasat Podcast, host Alex Miller talks with Ken Buer, chief technical officer for our Viasat Arizona office, about phased array antenna technology and the shift to Commercial Satellite Internet (CSI) applications. As Buer explains, CSI is a pivot away from purpose-built satellites, such as those created by the U.S. Government, to a model where commercial satellite operators such as Viasat provide a more economical solution that also affords customers the latest, updated technology and a global network. He also details how phased array antennas with beam-forming capabilities will be key to realizing the most benefit out of CSI.
Topics discussed in this podcast episode:
CSI improvements via a new generation of phased array antennas, which have the ability to electronically form beams to work with multiple satellites as well as for moving objects such as planes, ships and trains
How several locations within Viasat are collaborating on phased array antenna designs aimed at improving their performance as well as reducing their cost
How flat-panel phased array antennas can be ideal for things such as fighter aircraft, where the ability to move the antenna quickly is vital and the low-profile design reduces drag
Viasat's vertically integrated model and how Buer, as a system designer, says it give him the freedom to better optimizing how software is integrated with hardware
The company's ability to provide end-to-end security and capability
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ViaSat Inc. published this content on 20 April 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 20 April 2022 12:04:03 UTC.
ViaSat, Inc. is a global communications company. Its segments include satellite services, commercial networks and government systems. The satellite services segment provides satellite-based broadband and related services to residential customers, prepaid Internet users, enterprises, commercial airlines and other mobile broadband customers. The commercial networks segment develops and offers advanced satellite and wireless broadband platforms, ground networking equipment, radio frequency and advanced microwave solutions, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip design, satellite payload development and space-to-earth connectivity systems. The government systems segment provides global mobile broadband services to military and government users and develops and offers network-centric, Internet protocol (IP)-based fixed and mobile secure communications products and solutions. The Company also holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band, and S-band.
VIASAT, INC. 
