QuadSAT ApS has received acceptance confirmation from SOMAP for its drone-based antenna verification system. QuadSAT's unique testing solution provides a cost-effective, scalable and precise way to test antennas and satellite systems in operation, and anywhere in the world.
The Satellite Operators Minimum Antenna Performance (SOMAP) Group was formed in 2013 by industry leading satellite operators (consisting of AsiaSat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, Intelsat and SES), with the aim of developing an antenna qualification framework that could be adopted by the participating members. This framework is primarily intended to address the qualification of new antenna products being introduced to the market.
The SOMAP Group has concluded that it could accept ground station antenna measurement results that are obtained via unmanned aerial vehicles. The SOMAP Group further confirmed that antenna performance measurement via drone technology as developed by QuadSAT would be acceptable as a means to measure satellite ground antenna performance.
Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented, “This is a significant milestone for QuadSAT, helping us to make high quality antenna testing and diagnostics accessible globally. Ensuring good antenna performance throughout the lifecycle is crucial for enabling the industry to deliver seamless connectivity, reduce the risk of interference, and keep customers connected.”
David Meltzer, secretary general, the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), added, “GVF collaborated with the SOMAP Group in the development of the antenna qualification framework. This confirmation by the SOMAP Group is a significant step for both the industry and QuadSAT. We are pleased to continue to support SOMAP in its efforts to improve antenna performance.”
Helen Weedon, managing director, the Satcoms Innovation Group, added, “We have entered a whole new phase in the satcoms industry, which is bringing with it a massive increase in complexity. The benefits of the QuadSAT system are immense and it is poised to improve antenna performance throughout the industry. The fact that SOMAP has confirmed it as an acceptable method of measurement is a win-win-win for the industry. Manufacturers can perform more measurements than were previously possible, customers can gain the reassurance that products will have been through more testing, increasing validity and satellite operators will have more reliable products on their network and access to good data.”