ThinKom Antenna Supports Multi-orbit Satcom

SES has approved ThinKom Solutions’ ThinAir Ka2517 phased-array antenna for communications on the SES Open Orbits satellite network. The antenna allows for multi-orbit satcom on SES’ geostationary satellites and O3b Classic and mPower NGSO constellations, when paired with Rave Aerospace’s ModMan dual modem.

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo this week in Hamburg, Germany, ThinKom introduced another multi-orbit-capable antenna, the ThinAir Nexus, which has about the same footprint as a single-constellation electronically steered satcom antenna. Nexus will support geostationary and mid-and low-earth-orbit networks and will be available in the fourth quarter of 2027.

“Airlines demand and deserve flexibility and reliability as they invest in in-flight internet solutions,” said ThinKom chief commercial officer Jeff Sare. “Our new ThinAir Nexus solution delivers the most efficient and reliable multi-orbit, multi-constellation antenna to ever fly, now space-optimized for a smaller installation footprint.”

Although ThinKom isn’t yet targeting the business jet market, that could change, he added. “Our primary focus with Nexus, and that of our [managed service provider] partners, is the commercial airborne market, including narrowbody, widebody, and regional jets. This could easily extend to the VVIP/BBJ/ACJ markets if the integration partner and satellite service provider is keen to deliver the most flexible and future-proof solution to their aircraft owner/operator.”