Satellite Terminal
GATR Technologies in Huntsville, AL received an indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract and 2 task orders from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic to supply inflatable satellite terminals to the US Department of Defense and other agencies.
The term of the contract is 1 year with four 1-year options, with a maximum value of $26 million.
GATR’s inflatable satellite terminal reduces the tactical footprint of large-aperture satellite communications systems and enables portable high-bandwidth communications in remote areas…
The GATR terminal [PDF] is designed for military ground use in remote areas with harsh weather and where the movement and installation of large standard rigid satellite antennas is challenging. The terminal system uses a flexible parabolic reflector mounted on an inflated ball. The ball is then cabled to the ground and pointed toward the satellite using pulleys on ground mounting plates. The ball supports the dish, protects it from wind, and keeps it pointed toward the satellite.
The main advantage of the terminal is portability, the company noted. When the ball is deflated, it rolls up (with the dish inside) like a sleeping bag and weighs 18 pounds. The antenna bag, blower, hoses and plates fit in 1 transportable case. An additional case is provided for electronics, such as a modem, spectrum analyzer, RF cables, computer, power inverter, etc.