Quadsat and NATO NCIA Validate Quadsat System for WGS Compliance Measurements

Key Takeaways

Quadsat and NATO NCIA conducted a measurement campaign to validate U.S. Space Force’s Wideband Global Satcom compliance.
The campaign utilized Quadsat’s drone-based RF measurement system to perform critical antenna pattern measurements.
Successful results suggest potential for faster, cost-effective military certification processes for satellite antennas.

Validation of Antenna Measurement Systems

Quadsat has collaborated with NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to conduct a measurement campaign aimed at verifying compliance with the U.S. Space Force’s Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) system. This initiative builds on Quadsat’s involvement in the 2023 NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program, demonstrating the effectiveness of their drone-based RF measurement technology for military testing.

Taking place in Den Haag, the campaign focused on essential measurements necessary for WGS compliance. This included a variety of tests such as wide-angle azimuth antenna pattern measurements, elevation patterns, and comprehensive 3D pattern analyses, alongside Gain-to-Temperature (G/T) assessments.

The Quadsat system is designed to enhance antenna validation capabilities through its UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) equipped with a customized RF payload. The technology also incorporates specialized software that delivers standardized reporting across various measurement types. This is crucial for NATO’s mandate to ensure satellite antennas meet rigorous military standards, which are essential for maintaining reliable and error-free communication lines.

A representative from the NATO Communications and Information Agency expressed the importance of such measurements, stating, “Ensuring satellite antennas meet stringent military requirements is absolutely vital to keeping our communication lines clean and free from errors. However, performing these tests can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly.” The official noted that the recent campaign successfully demonstrated the feasibility of conducting complex antenna measurements for international MILSATCOM standards in a quick and efficient manner.

Joakim Espeland, CEO of Quadsat, highlighted the success of the campaign, stating, “This measurement campaign with NATO NCIA was extremely successful, showing our ability to confirm WGS compliance. I hope this will lead to our system being validated for use as a means of WGS certification.” He also mentioned that, through an expanding service partner network, the military could achieve faster and more cost-effective antenna measurement and certification processes moving forward.

Quadsat plans to showcase its advancements at the SIA’s 20th Annual Department of Defense Commercial SATCOM Workshop, scheduled for December 16-18 in Arlington. This engagement underscores the growing importance of innovative measurement technologies in military applications, aligning with the strategic objectives set forth by NATO and its associated agencies.

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