Multi-beam antenna programme gains funding boost

UK-based Isotropic Systems has secured more than £29 million ($40 million) in funding to accelerate growth and development of its multi-beam antenna ahead of a phase one launch in 2022.

The oversubscribed funding round included funding support from the UK government, global strategic investors and venture capital firms. SES and Boeing HorizonX Global Ventures were among the participants.

The multi-beam ground antennas are designed to improve connectivity across the satellite ecosystem. Customers such as military agencies using a single Isotropic terminal (pictured) will be able to connect to multiple satellites.

According to Isotropic, its patented RF optics technology enables the high-performance multi-beam antenna to simultaneously link with multiple satellites in multiple orbits, ‘without any compromise in the performance of each link’.

With funding in place, Isotropic Systems stated on 8 February that it plans to accelerate the production phase in time to support new constellations and satellites launching in all satellite orbits from 2022 onwards.

Isotropic will also open a 20,000ft2 (1,860m2) technology and testing facility near the company headquarters in Reading.

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