Transportation
Satellite Antenna Systems
New ways to bring space down to Earth is a success story from KVH Industries,
Inc. of Middletown, Rhode Island. A partnership between KVH Industries
and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is hastening the day of mobile
reception of television via satellite on moving vehicles, such as buses
and trains. In addition, successful development of a mobile satellite communications
antenna may enable persons on the move to have additional access to the
information superhighway.
KVH initially contacted the Rhode Island Technology Transfer Center
who, in turn, linked KVH with the NASA laboratory. Discussions between
JPL and KVH led to an exclusive licensing agreement that permitted the
company to convert space agency hi-tech communications gear into consumer
products.
"NASA's satellite technology fits in perfectly with our own satellite
technology," said KVH president Martin Kits van Heyningen. "Over
the years, we have developed a line of satellite-aiming antennas for marine
industry. This latest development with NASA will help extend our product
line."
KVH is widely known for its electronic digital compass technology. The
company manufactures products for recreational and commercial marine markets,
and is a major supplier to the U.S. military of digital compass systems
for ships and armored vehicles.
| KVH Industries, Inc.'s satellite antenna
improves communication on marine or mobile land transportation, such as
trucks, buses, and trains. |
NASA had developed an experimental, microprocessor-controlled satellite
antenna for motorists to send and receive phone, fax and other telecommunications
as part of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) program.
Tests proved that sensors within the unit kept the antenna continually
pointed at the ACTS positioned in space. JPL had developed the tracking
antenna system for use on ACTS which can handle digital television signals
in the Ka-band frequency from a mobile or parked vehicle.
Through the Technology Affiliates Program at JPL, the ACTS antenna system
was transferred from experimental testing status to commercial development
at KVH.
The ACTS design enables mobile satellite antennas to remain pointed
at the satellite, regardless of the motion or vibration of the vehicle
on which it is mounted. This design permits a satellite antenna to smoothly
lock onto the desired satellite signal, without encountering aiming fluctuations.
Changes in aiming are a common drawback in other land-mobile satellite
communication antennas.
Successful tests had shown the ACTS antenna ideal for many applications,
including:
- one-way transmission of patient data from field paramedics to the base
hospital;
- remote medical imaging including x-rays from a moving vehicle to a
fixed station;
- satellite communications for on-the-move military applications; and
- transmission of video communications from a satellite news gathering
vehicle to a news bureau.
KVH's first product based on the ACTS design is a land-mobile satellite
antenna system that will enable direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television
aboard moving trucks, recreational vehicles, trains and buses. KVH's DBS
system will provide the link for users on the move to watch multi-channel,
high resolution satellite television.
The company foresees other products incorporating the ACTS antenna work,
for use in broadcasting, emergency medical and military vehicles. KVH sees
a market of several thousand units sold annually and further opening new
vistas for telecommunications. Marketing the mobile satellite antenna design
is expected to enhance the company's position in the worldwide, mobile
satellite communications market.
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