GATR TRAC tracks moving satellites
Cubic's GATR Technologies has developed GATR TRAC, a new version of its inflatable antenna with tracking capabilities, that can be deployed in locations where this capability is traditionally limited.
Tracking antennas are used to communicate with satellites in non-geostationary orbits, as well as with other moving objects such as aircraft. However, legacy systems require a rigid dish with heavy-duty structural support making them difficult to use in many situations.
GATR's inflatable tracking antenna can follow moving targets, and features improved reliability, a simple user interface and upgraded assembly and disassembly procedures. The GATR TRAC can be packed into four cases which provide greater overall flexibility for mission planning. It can be assembled in around 30 minutes.
The GATR TRAC is a 2.4 metre, lightweight antenna that features mechanical and electrical components in a ruggedised base with support arms that allow the antenna to track satellites moving across the sky.
GATR TRAC has been demonstrated to reliably track satellites in low Earth orbit and produce usable imagery as part of a deployable ground station. It also has the ability to track satellites in other types of orbits.
More from Special Operations
-
![US Special Operations Command seeks $1.3 billion investment in intelligence]()
US Special Operations Command seeks $1.3 billion investment in intelligence
As part of its FY2025 budget proposal, the service requested funds for tactical intelligence collection and analysis solutions and for ISR, processing, exploitation and dissemination programmes.
-
![UPDATED: Romania orders Polaris DAGOR special operations vehicles]()
UPDATED: Romania orders Polaris DAGOR special operations vehicles
Polaris has been awarded a contract to provide 50 of its DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicles to Romania, joining other NATO countries such as Canada, the UK and US as operators.
-
![SOF Week 2023: Commander, Special Operations Command - Korea interview]()
SOF Week 2023: Commander, Special Operations Command - Korea interview
The Commander of Special Operations Command - Korea provides an update at SOF Week 2023.
-
![SOF Week 2023: GSOF reflects on a successful first SOF Week (video)]()
SOF Week 2023: GSOF reflects on a successful first SOF Week (video)
As the inaugural SOF Week draws to a close, the head of the Global SOF Foundation reflects on a successful event.
-
![SOF Week 2023: CACI International Inc displays EW capabilities (video)]()
SOF Week 2023: CACI International Inc displays EW capabilities (video)
Among the vendors on the show floor at SOF Week 2023 was CACI International Inc.
-
![SOF Week 2023: US Air Force Special Operations Command interview (video)]()
SOF Week 2023: US Air Force Special Operations Command interview (video)
The commander of US Air Force Special Operations Command talks to the SOF Week show daily.
