AURORA Antenna System Demonstrates Breakthrough Multi-Beam and Multi-Orbit Performance

The AURORA Antenna System prototype, a breakthrough Luneburg-lens-based antenna, took center stage during our recent demonstration at our headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Bringing together engineers, partners, and industry stakeholders, the event showcased AURORA’s advanced Ku-band, multi-beam performance and confirmed AURORA is a leading contender in next-generation satellite communications.

Demonstration Highlights

During the demonstration, the AURORA prototype successfully operated 6 simultaneous receive (RX) beams and 2 transmit (TX) beams, across multiple frequency bands and orbits, with scalability to support up to 4 TX and 8 RX beams. The system simultaneously maintained links with pseudolite stations, live GEO satellite TV signals, a second GEO satellite, and LEO satellite tracking, proving its ability to manage complex, multi-orbit operations in real time.

Key simultaneous demonstrations included:

Receiving live DISH TV reception, verifying RX beam accuracy and signal integrity.
Establishing a GEO satellite link through Telstar 14R.
Conducting full-duplex communications on two separate pseudolites, proving stable TX/RX operation.
Tracking a LEO satellite using TLE-based position information for automated beam steering.

AURORA’s Core Advantages

Multi-Frequency, Multi-Beam Operation
AURORA operates multiple bands and beams simultaneously, maintaining coverage from near horizon to horizon without mechanical movement.
Simultaneous Full-Duplex Links
The antenna enables multiple transmit and receive beams to operate concurrently—adding new links without disrupting or degrading existing ones.
Scalable Power Efficiency
Power consumption scales directly with the number of active beams, ensuring efficient operation and reduced power draw when fewer beams are needed.

Why It Matters

By combining high-gain performance with electronic beam agility, AURORA bridges the gap between traditional parabolic reflectors and modern phased array systems. It delivers the flexibility needed to support multi-orbit, multi-mission networks—from GEO broadcasting to LEO data backhaul—without compromise in link quality or efficiency.

What’s Next?

The next version of AURORA will be smaller, lighter, and even more flexible. It will support more frequency options and new satellite constellations. Our engineers are aiming for improved signal performance and enhanced power control, enabling better use in remote or mobile settings.

The new model will also use power more efficiently. It will draw only what it needs based on the number of active beams, which will extend field operation time.

Planning is underway to deliver the same strong, multi-beam capability in a more compact and adaptable package, ready for real-world deployment.