Aerospace Defence Security Space

Inmarsat and Thales conclude testing System 21 modem over Global Xpress

Posted 20 June 2017

In May 2017, Inmarsat and Thales executed a series of tests that successfully demonstrated communications using Thales' System 21 on Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) high-capacity steerable antennas, illustrating the ability of Thales's System 21 modem to support resilient, protected and secure, high-data-rate connectivity for mission-critical military and government users.

Thales is a world leader in providing armed forces and security services with ground technology for secure satellite communications (SATCOM). Inmarsat provides global SATCOM solutions utilised extensively by military and civil government users around the world. This combined heritage in serving global government users assures that the capability can be rolled out quickly, with very low technical risk, and the flexibility to meet operational needs.

The tests demonstrated excellent performance of the Thales’ System 21 satcom ground network solution, featuring special military modes to enhance resilience and protection utilising the Inmarsat-5 high-capacity steerable beam assigned to the tests. Data rates over 34Mbps were delivered between a 1.5m maritime (SURFSAT-L) and 0.75m airborne (LISA) terminals. This configuration is representative of a typical deployed mobile task force.

The conclusive test campaign was completed in a very short space of time. The conformity to international military standards ensured that the Thales network and Inmarsat’s satellite service were able to interoperate without any modifications, despite neither system having been designed to support the other.

“Highly protected and resilient satellite connectivity is key for armed forces and governments today said Jean-Claude Schmitt, Vice President in charge of Thales’s network and infrastructure systems business. “The combination of Thales and Inmarsat solutions is an effective response to the growing number and severity of attacks on satellite communications.”

Peter Dingley, Vice President, Future Government Technologies, Inmarsat Global Government, said: “Security and resilience are critically important to the government sector and Inmarsat is encouraged by the recent test results achieved with Thales’ System 21 across our Inmarsat-5 satellite. For two independent solutions to achieve such interoperability and positive results in such a short period of time is testament to the innovative excellence of both Thales and Inmarsat. We look forward to including this solution in our suite of government services.”