Multi-Orbit Satellite Connectivity Reshapes In-Flight Communications Landscape
Share
The in-flight connectivity (IFC) market is undergoing a significant transformation as airlines increasingly seek flexible, high-performance solutions to meet growing passenger demands. With the emergence of multi-orbit satellite constellations combining Geostationary (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the industry is witnessing a shift towards more adaptable and powerful connectivity options.
Who’s Who in the Multi-Orbit Race
Several companies are at the forefront of this evolution, including ThinKom, Intelsat, Viasat, and Starlink, each offering unique approaches to multi-orbit connectivity. ThinKom, known for its Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) antenna technology, has been making strides in developing multi-orbit capable antennas.
Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s Chairman and CTO, explains the company’s approach: “Our technology has some nice attributes in terms of being fully compliant to the most stringent regulatory requirements … being able to move the beams very quickly and being able to operate over very wide channels and frequency bands as necessary to support multi-constellation and now multi-orbit capability.”
Milroy further emphasizes the importance of flexibility for airlines. Rather than getting locked into a proprietary solution from a capacity provider, more and more airlines are making the smart choice: selecting a network-agnostic terminal solution that delivers the best performance today, and future-network compatibility in the decade ahead.
ThinKom’s ThinAir® antenna line, particularly the Ka2517 model, has gained attention in the industry. These antennas offer multi-orbit compatibility, high spectral efficiency, and a low profile design. The Ka2517 has been selected for the Airbus HBCplus program, which aims to provide airlines with more choice and flexibility in their IFC solutions. Yannic Duifhuizen, Airbus marketing director, has described it as the “one antenna to rule them all.”
A Space Ripe for Disruption
However, ThinKom is not alone in this space. Other companies like Intelsat and Viasat are also developing multi-orbit solutions. Intelsat, for instance, has been working on hybrid LEO-GEO systems, while Viasat has been expanding its high-capacity satellite network.
The industry is also seeing new entrants like Starlink, which has been making waves with its LEO constellation. David Scotland, In-Flight Experience and Product Technology Director for Alaska Airlines, has commented on Starlink’s impact. According to him, Starlink has the first mover advantage in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), and the product is compelling, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Starlink will dominate this market.”
The Quest for Flexibility and Performance
Airlines are carefully evaluating these various options. Melanie Berry, Director of Customer Experience at Iberia, emphasized the importance of flexibility: “I think the real ‘game changer’ will be agnostic antennas… If we don’t like the option we have with [provider] A, we go with [provider] B… I think the development of agnostic antennas is going to give us all a lot more flexibility and a lot more choice, and maybe things will start to move a lot quicker once we get to this point.”
This desire for flexibility is driving the development of more adaptable hardware solutions across the industry. Antenna manufacturers are working on solutions that can quickly switch between different satellite networks and orbits.
The Surprising Impact of Antenna Design
The choice of antenna technology involves more than just connectivity performance. Aerodynamic efficiency is also a crucial factor. A study commissioned by ThinKom suggests that their Ka1717 antenna reduces drag by 75-90% compared to some flat-top electronically steered antenna (ESA) designs.
Milroy elaborates that ThinKom’s ThinAir line of antennas also delivers long-term savings thanks to an industry leading total cost of ownership. First, fuel burn is reduced, due to the low profile, and optimized radome design. Second, power draw is also much lower than competing ESAs. Third, Lower thermal dissipation enables support of continuous gate-to-gate operation, even under the most demanding conditions. Finally, the hardware is highly reliable and requires almost no maintenance.
While these findings are notable, it’s important to recognize that other antenna manufacturers may have different data or perspectives on the aerodynamic performance of their products.
How Industry Collaborations are Shaping the Future of IFC
The multi-orbit trend is also influencing satellite operators and service providers. SES, for instance, has launched its Open Orbits Inflight Connectivity Network, which aims to combine offerings from multiple regional and global operators to ensure seamless network access globally. This approach could provide airlines with more options and potentially lower costs.
ThinKom, for instance, has been actively collaborating with satellite operators like SES to demonstrate advanced multi-orbit services. These partnerships showcase the potential for hybrid constellation operations, optimizing satellite resource capacity and reducing latency.
Navigating the Connectivity Constellation
As the IFC market continues to evolve, airlines are faced with complex decisions about which technologies and providers to adopt. Alejandro Ochoa, In-Flight Technology manager for Aeromexico, has summed up the challenge: “We need to make sure we can provide a seamless experience between different providers. We know that connectivity is a differentiator in the aviation industry.”
The future of in-flight connectivity appears to be heading towards more flexible, multi-orbit solutions that can adapt to changing technologies and market conditions. As companies like ThinKom, Intelsat, Viasat, and Starlink continue to innovate, and as new players enter the market, airlines will have more options than ever to meet their connectivity needs. The challenge will be in navigating this complex landscape to find the right balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for their specific requirements.