Mitsubishi Ku-band satellite device launched to Orbit

Mitsubishi recently developed a GaN high-electron mobility transistor or GaN HEMT Ku-band amplifier for several satellite earth stations. The gallium nitride device runs at 12-18 GHz, and was developed to help reduce the number of high frequency amplifiers currently being used to just half. This will also reduce the need for power transmitter equipment.

GaN devices have steadily been replacing GaAs amplifiers since the latter has been more prone to saturated electron speeds, and high breakdown voltage.

The latest GaN HEMT from Mitsubishi has 30 percent more power efficiency. This quality is crucial as satellite communications in the ku band require power-saving measures, as it is used in severe weather conditions, and extraordinary situations like natural disasters. Hard to reach areas which need communication links also rely on mobile earth-based stations.

Samples of Mitsubishi's GaN HEMT device, MGFK47G3745, will be shipped starting October 1. 

You might also want to read:

• Better Mobile Backhaul With Ku Band

IAI building Ka-band, Ku-band satellite for Spacecom

Satellite manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) accepted a $200 million contract from satellite operator Spacecom to build the AMOS-6 Ka-band/Ku-band satellite. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) will handle the satellite's payload of Ku-band and multi-beam Ka-band transponders.

In addition to manufacturing AMOS-6, IAI will also launch the satellite in 2015 and provide ground control operations during the platform's 16-year operational lifespan.

AMOS-6 will join its sister AMOS-2 and AMOS-3 satellites in the 4 degrees West location. The Spacecom fleet at that spot supplies Ka-band and Ku-band satellite services to Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the East Coast of the United States.

Spacecom will form a consortium of investors to fund AMOS-6. IAI has already signed on as an investor. Another possible source of funding are foreign lenders that will indirectly support the planned Spacecom satellite by supporting the companies that export parts used in telecommunications satellites.

RRsat scores multiple contracts for Amos-5 Ku-band satellite capacity

The last couple of months have been busy and profitable for RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd. In that span of time, the satellite services provider had secured several contracts with TV and radio channels for capacity on the RRsat Ku-band platform mounted aboard the AMOS-5 satellite.

AMOS-5 was launched by Spacecom in December 2011 and is operated by the same company. The Ku-band satellite distributes data to and from Africa via its varied payload, one of them being RRsat's platform.

The two steerable Ku-band beams of the RRsat’s platform cover the African continent. They also provide connectivity to Europe and the Middle East. The steerable Ku-band beams can support multiple transponders operating at the same time.