Author: Dan Adams, General Manager, KSAT Inc.
As global interest in lunar exploration grows, Kongsberg Satellite Services is developing KSAT Lunar, a commercial communications network designed to support missions traveling to and around the Moon. The network will provide end-to-end communications services throughout every phase of a lunar mission, from launch and transit to lunar orbit, landing and surface operations.
To meet increasing demand from government and commercial lunar programs, KSAT invested in a network of three 20-meter antennas in the United States, Spain, and Western Australia. Together, the sites are designed to provide near-continuous lunar coverage and support telemetry, tracking, command, and high-rate data services in X-band and Ka-band.
Development of KSAT’s Lunar network continues to advance. KSAT selected CPI Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH to supply the antennas and has progressed site development across all three locations. In Western Australia, KSAT partnered with Starsite Pty Ltd to establish one of the network's key lunar communications sites, leveraging the region's strategic location and exceptionally clear radio frequency environment.
Construction is also moving forward, with successful mounting of the first antenna reflector (aka dish) on its tower. The 20-meter-class antenna in Western Australia stands roughly as tall as an 11-story apartment building, highlighting the scale of the infrastructure required to support future lunar and deep-space missions.
The KSAT Lunar network builds on KSAT's existing global infrastructure, which includes more than 300 satellite communications antennas worldwide. KSAT’s investment in a purpose-built capability will provide a scalable platform as demand for lunar and cislunar communications services continues to expand.
Header image: The successful mounting of KSAT’s 20-meter-class antenna reflector on its tower in Western Australia. Photo credit: Starsite Pty Ltd