3 Things to Know About Flat Panel Antennas

Flat panel antenna testing with quadsat drone

Driven by their space and weight saving convenience, Flat Panel Antennas (FPAs) are appealing competitors to traditional parabolic antennas. With 360 Research Reports predicting that the FPA market will grow at CAGR of 40.7% during 2021-2026, there is a clear demand for their offerings. As with all antennas, correct set up and in-depth maintenance schedules are the only way to ensure that the system is performing effectively. We know that parabolic antennas and FPAs have distinctive testing requirements, but how much do they differ? Here are our top 3 considerations for establishing testing regimes for FPAs.

1. Flat Panel Antennas are multi-orbit and can operate at more than one pointing angle at a time

Active electronically scanned array FPAs can simultaneously radiate multiple beams in order to direct radio waves on a static antenna. However, this brings challenges in terms of testing and monitoring as often pointing angles change over time. To address this increase in complexity, there needs to be an increase in the number of testing patterns for FPAs. They need a wider scope of testing, and this can be challenging using a traditional, static test range. Dynamic testing methods, such as UAVs, are key to managing the complexity and flexibility of these testing patterns as they deliver broader results and can respond to multiple pointing angles. Additionally, they allow for on-site testing, reducing downtime and logistical challenges for comms-on-the-move customers, who are showing a keen interest in flat panel technologies.

2. A Flat Panel Antenna performs best when facing straight up as opposed to at a low elevation angle

When establishing testing patterns, it’s important to focus resources to the correct places. You must identify critical operation points of the antenna to identify which areas should be focused for in-depth testing and more detailed measurements. The entire FPA should be tested, however, shorter and faster measurements can be taken on the wider aspects as this, paired with the in-depth results, will provide appropriate levels of evidence to identify the antennas overall performance. This focused approach ensures high testing efficiency whilst maintaining quality. Additionally, it will allow users to quickly identify whether the antenna is performing as its best and whether it is at risk of RF interference and signal degradation.

3. Pattern changes could cause trouble for FPAs when tracking LEO/MEO satellites

It’s important to keep graceful degradation in mind when considering FPAs. Subtle changes in patterns over time could have larger effects on antennas being used for LEO and MEO. Working at a lower orbital altitude than GEO, LEO and MEO satellites will require antennas to track their movements across the sky, with satellites switching from one ground segment to another. The complexity of this system has little room for error as the mistracking of a satellite could result in signal degradation. Over time, the FPA might start tracking the satellite on a side lobe or similar which could cause trouble within the system; its ripple effects could be greater within the complex networks of LEO and MEO. Therefore, it is imperative that FPA operators working with LEO and MEO infrastructures consider this and incorporate regular testing regimes to promote accuracy.

FPAs are hugely appealing to customers, and we know the importance of users having access to the right tools for testing antennas. The delivery of these antennas does create new challenges within the industry due to their complexities and we know that discussions regarding an industry-wide approach to type-approvals are being instigated by the Satcoms Innovation Group and SOMAP.  At QuadSAT, we are researching and developing new ways to enhance FPA testing and we look forward to a conformed approach to managing these antennas within the satcom ecosystem.

Watch our CEO, Joakim Espeland, participate in a SIG panel discussion regarding Flat Panel Antennas at ConnecTechAsia.

QuadSAT’s Senior RF Engineer Joins AMTA Board of Directors

AMTA research Cosme drone flying

Odense, Denmark, 28 October 2021: QuadSAT’s Senior RF Engineer Dr.-Ing. Cosme Culotta-López will be serving as a Technical Coordinator on the Board of Directors of the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association (AMTA) from January 2022. Cosme has been an active member of AMTA since 2017 and has been awarded with Best Paper Awards from AMTA in 2019 and 2021.

The ​Antenna​ ​Measurement​ ​Techniques​ ​Association (AMTA)​ ​​is​ ​a ​​non-profit,​ ​international​ ​organization dedicated​ ​to​ the​ ​development​ ​and​ ​dissemination​ ​of​ ​theory,​ ​best​ ​practices​ ​and​ ​applications​ ​of​ ​antenna, radar​ ​signature​ ​and​ ​other​ ​electromagnetic​ ​measurement​ ​technologies.​ ​

Cosme’s plans, according to his position statement, will specifically focus on academia, engaging with the research community in universities and other public research institutions to further involvement with AMTA. It is hoped that increasing exposure and reach will benefit those students already specializing in this area, as well as increasing the number of students who choose to enter this field. Ultimately this will help to further secure the future of both AMTA and the industry.

Cosme Culotta-López, Senior RF Engineer at QuadSAT, commented: “The strength of AMTA lies in the different sectors it brings together, namely academia, government, industry, and other commercial entities. I first came to AMTA as a student and academic researcher. It has enabled me to co-operate with several industry partners, which proved itself not only extremely useful for my research, but also for my understanding of industry demands. Joining the Board of Directors means that I can now give back to the AMTA community and encourage other students into this field.”

Cosme joined QuadSAT in June 2021 as Senior RF Engineer. His main area of focus is researching antenna measurement techniques using drone technology. He has received Best Student Paper awards on multiple occasions for his research in spherical near-field antenna measurements and compressed Sensing.  In 2014 he received an Engineering degree in telecommunications engineering from the University in Málaga, Spain and in 2021 his doctoral degree (summa cum laude) from RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

To learn more about the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association, click here.

– ENDS –

Media Contact:

Helen Weedon

Radical Moves

helen@radicalmoves.co.uk

+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT has developed a brand new system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radio frequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

Our Work with Cranfield University: Studying the Accuracy of Drone Antenna Measurements

Cranfield University Swarm research

As an organisation that originates from academia, QuadSAT places value on working alongside academic establishments, like Cranfield University, to evaluate the latest technological advances within satcom. With a revolutionary approach to antenna testing, we have delivered many studies and reports detailing the technical aspects of data collection and management when undertaking antenna testing with UAVs.

Our latest work with Cranfield University

Our latest report, produced by our CEO, Joakim Espeland, and a team from The School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University discusses considerations around additional uncertainties during comms-on-the-move antenna measurements taken by UAVs, due to the mobility of the systems.

One of the important requirements of a COTM terminal antenna is the tracking capability to keep pointing towards the intended satellite when it is operated on a vehicle. Previously, a huge facility would have been required to perform this tracking evaluation test. We proposed that an in-situ measurement using a multi-UAV system could test the antenna on-site as the UAV could emulate the trajectory of a non-GEO satellite during the measurement process.

Using this method would of course introduce additional uncertainties, therefore the team knew it would be beneficial to have a methodology to reduce the effect of noise and improve the accuracy of the evaluation to calculate the depointing measurement. Alongside Cranfield University, the team at QuadSAT worked to establish the impact of these uncertainties and establish a method to ensure accurate test readings were collected. Members of the QuadSAT team will be presenting an in-depth discussion regarding this process at AMTA 2021.

The Conclusion

Through thorough research, teams at both QuadSAT and Cranfield University formulated a stochastic filter for depointing measurements, and its performance was then analysed. The developed approach showed better accuracy and highlighted that it required a fewer number of sensors in the numerical simulation compared to the conventional table matching approach. The findings confirmed that the approach to fight against the additional uncertainties introduced by dynamic measurement systems and to make it more practical.

Why we value working with academic establishments

Having started as a university project, we know the benefits of working with fresh-thinking students who can bring new thoughts and perspectives to our development and evaluation processes. It also provides students with a brilliant opportunity to apply their methodology and hypotheses to real-life scenarios and solutions, providing them with more depth of understanding and experience within the field.

Crandfield University PHD Student Saki Omi

Saki Omi, PhD, Cranfield University comments: “My research field is an autonomous decision-making system for multiple UAVs. We are working on swarm solutions to extend the measurement capability for antenna evaluation. Given this very specific and practical aim, the way of the research is always focusing on bringing the concept to life. This special opportunity of working both with Cranfield University and QuadSAT helps me to see the wider perspective.”

Having started as a university project, we know the benefits of working with fresh-thinking students who can bring new thoughts and perspectives to our development and evaluation processes. It also provides students with a brilliant opportunity to apply their methodology and hypotheses to real-life scenarios and solutions, providing them with more depth of understanding and experience within the field.

As an innovative technology, we have spent a lot of time studying and testing our methods to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Creating joint projects with academic organisations enhances this process and bolsters our confidence that our approach to development is industry-leading.

The team is looking forward to sharing the research process and its detailed findings at AMTA 2021 this week.

QuadSAT will hold an in-depth presentation regarding the findings of this report at this years AMTA. Visit the AMTA website for more information.

OneWeb Strengthens Ground Segment with QuadSAT

OneWeb antenna being tested by QuadSAT solution

OneWeb Antenna Validation Campaign Ahead of LEO Constellation Rollout

Odense, Denmark, 22 September 2021 – OneWeb, the low Earth orbit satellite communications company is working with QuadSAT to perform verification of its ground segment antennas ahead of the global rollout of its LEO constellation. In an initial stage, QuadSAT has carried out an antenna validation campaign at the Telespazio teleport in Scanzano, Italy.

Using its unique drone payload for antenna testing, QuadSAT performed in-situ measurement generating antenna radiation patterns as well as north offset in antenna pointing. QuadSAT’s drone-based system provides users with flexible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. Antennas can be tested anytime and anywhere, and it can perform a broad range of testing missions depending on requirements. QuadSAT pre-and post-flight software ensures repeatability, control over the drone during measurements, ease of operation, and data delivery in a uniform format.

During the campaign, QuadSAT measured radiation patterns of several OneWeb antennas, enabling the validation of feed alignment and the direction of pointing. This is the first time OneWeb has utilized the capabilities of drone-based antenna diagnostics. Following successful results from this initial phase, QuadSAT will be performing antenna verification at other OneWeb sites.

Joseph Paciaroni, Director of Gateway Deployment, OneWeb commented: “We are in the process of building the ground segment for our state-of-the-art constellation. Having innovative methods for diagnostics will be an important success factor and we are particularly excited about the potential of drone-based in-situ diagnostics where traditional antenna validation techniques are not available. During this initial phase, we were really impressed with both the quality of the data and the ability to carry out the test within a very short time frame.”

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, added: “We are glad to be able to provide OneWeb with our measurement services for on-site validation and optimization. A fully optimized ground station is essential for OneWeb to assure the best possible service to its customers. It is therefore essential that a validation of the ground segment is carried out on-site. This is one of the services we provide at QuadSAT.”

– ENDS-

Media Contact

Helen Weedon
Radical Moves
helen@radicalmoves.co.uk
+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT is developing a brand new system for test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consists of experts in robotics and radiofrequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

3 Ways Drones Will Solve Ground Segment Testing In The New Era of Satcoms

Ground segment antenna measurement with drone

By Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT

Satcoms is changing. There are more satellites in the sky than ever before, with more than 200 companies planning to launch more than 100 000 satellites over the next decade, space will have the new digital infrastructure around our planet. Reliability and robustness are changing from niche and nice to have to need to have. Autonomous cars, delivery drones and IOT require an RF interference-free environment as well as full operational confidence to exist.

Here are 3 ways in which drones are overhauling testing within satcom to tackle this:

1. Access to testing

Access to testing can be a challenge, both logistically and from a cost perspective. It is also difficult to recreate environmental conditions. If we can increase and improve access to tests, it will be a game-changer for the space industry. Satellite operators use test data to make link calculations and test in situ antenna performance to increase operational performance. For antenna manufacturers, testing is vital in order to prove compliance according to regulatory standards. At the same time, they need to increase efficiency in R&D and factory testing and drones could help them do that. Drones move the testing systems to the antenna, as opposed to the antenna having to move to the test site. This means accurate on-site testing, allowing for true to life readings.

2. Changes in requirements

LEO and MEO constellations are delivering new challenges to the industry, and we know that the industry is going to need to adapt its testing methods to reflect this. It is important that new performance requirements come in place for the next generation of satellite constellations and ground segments. LEO satellites move across the sky and the ground segment must be able to track them in order to remain in contact. This is incredibly different to GEO satellites which remain ‘static’ in the view of the ground segment. Antenna labs and test ranges haven’t been designed to suit LEO and therefore antenna manufacturers need testing methods to validate and test their systems. Drones are stepping into this role and offering analysis by having test equipment moving freely in three dimensions.

3. The cost of maintenance

There have always been high costs associated with maintaining a testing regime. However, without testing regimes antenna performance can degrade and become problematic and RF interference can occur. Testing and calibration are core to satcom operations at the ground segment and therefore it needs to be as cost-effective as possible. Beyond the obvious logistical benefits, performing on-site testing through drone technology reduces both the cost of testing and the cost of downtime. This improves accessibility to testing and allows teleport operators to have access to better testing regimes. Ground segments across all sectors, including comms on the move, benefit from the convenience of on-site, low-cost testing.

Read my article in Test and Test Houses for an in-depth look at how drones are transforming testing.

QuadSAT’s State-of-the-Art Drone Technology Employed by SES for International Antenna Validation

SES antenna validation

Odense, Denmark, 14th July – SES and QuadSAT have jointly performed an “industry-first” ground segment Satcom Antenna Validation campaign. Using QuadSAT’s revolutionary new drone technology, this mission redefines the possibilities for antenna diagnostics within the framework of Industry 4.0. By obtaining accurate antenna performance data from anywhere in the world from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), SES was able to quickly validate new antenna models to be added to their satellite networks, mitigating the risk of generating interference on their own satellite or adjacent satellites.

On behalf of SES, QuadSAT assessed 12 commercial maritime antennas, using its drone-based solution for antenna diagnostics. The innovative technology is deployable in a matter of hours and operates globally. The system is a fully automated drone solution equipped with a unique Radio Frequency (RF) payload.

The tests took place at two different sites and enabled SES to investigate the performance of a wide range of antennas supplied by various manufacturers. The speed of QuadSAT’s departure from Denmark, operational set-up on-site, to the start of the actual test reflects the simplicity of operation.

The data gathered is fundamental to the collaboration between satellite operators, antenna manufacturers and service providers, but has historically been challenging to obtain. With QuadSAT’s solution, the tests could be easily and efficiently performed over a period of just 23 days, including travel and setting up operations at two different sites. This time frame included processing the results, which were subsequently delivered to SES from the test sites.

Alastair Campbell, Vice President at SES commented: “A measurement campaign of this size would have been a substantial effort for SES to undertake, had it not been for QuadSAT and the new drone technology they have brought to the market. Improved access to antenna testing is essential across many parts of the satellite industry value chain”.

Joakim Espeland, CEO at QuadSAT, stated: “No antenna should transmit to a satellite without being verified. Adding underperforming antennas to a satellite network degrades satellite communications and is costly for operators to mitigate retroactively. It is reassuring to see satellite operators such as SES recognising the importance of antenna verification and taking the responsibility to avoid interference in space. We are proud that our technology could further enhance SES’s verification capabilities. SES has been validating this technology for the last 3 years. QuadSAT’s maturity in the Satcom sector made it possible to meet SES demands in this comprehensive test campaign.”.

This technological leap in antenna diagnostics is a testament to how performance data on antennas can now be collected in a completely new and unique way before connecting to a satellite network. QuadSAT is in the market and customers can use services provided by QuadSAT or own their own systems.

Media Contact

Helen Weedon
Radical Moves
helen@radicalmoves.co.uk
+44 7733 231922

About QuadSAT

QuadSAT is developing a brand new system for the test and verification of radio frequency equipment. The technology is fully automated, flexible and location-independent capable of scaling and transforming how antennas are tested. The QuadSAT team consist of experts in robotics and radiofrequency resulting in a solution that meets the specifications for testing satellite antennas. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation and measurement software. QuadSAT is backed by Space Tech focused Seraphim Capital and Danish state Vaekstfonden Venture Capital firms. More information about QuadSAT is available at www.quadsat.com

4 Reasons to Visit QuadSAT at EuCAP

QuadSAT Drone Eucap

Europe’s flagship conference on antennas and propagation, EuCAP will take place virtually from 22 to 26 March 2021. QuadSAT is a silver sponsor and will be taking part in a workshop, the exhibition and presenting a technical paper. While we are looking forward to being able to travel and meet you in person, here are 4 key reasons you should visit us virtually at EuCAP in the meantime:

1. Tune in and let our founders explain our technology

Our flexible and cost-effective tool for testing- ground satellite segment infrastructure is aimed at ensuring seamless satellite connectivity and overall reduction of interference

At EuCAP, our founders, Joakim Espeland and Andrian Buchi will describe the technology and host a virtual demonstration of state-of-the-art drone-based antenna measurements in the context of SATCOM applications. They will demonstrate how this technique can bring the measurement range to the customer by providing a real demonstration of measurements of an offset 1.2m antenna and comparing results with a traditional outdoor far-field system.

Be sure to catch them on Monday, 22nd March at 1.00pm CET and get your questions ready.

2. Find out about research into drone technology

PhD student, Saki Omi from Cranfield University has been working alongside QuadSat to conduct research into drone technology. The research carried out will help to develop a satellite COTM (Communication on the Move) antenna evaluation system with a UAV Swarm and will increase QuadSAT’s testing capabilities.

Catch Saki Omi’s presentation on 22nd March at 5:30pm CET.

3. Talk to us at our booth

Join us at our virtual booth during EuCAP. Get in contact to ask your questions and learn more about our drone technology and upcoming innovations. QuadSAT’s system consists of a pseudo-satellite payload integrated on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle making it deployable anywhere at any time. The system is fully automated with pre-and post-test software, ensuring repeatable high-quality data delivered in a uniform format.

Company CEO, Joakim Espeland will be on hand to discuss the origins, present and future of QuadSAT.


4. Get a free live demo

Visitors to the booth will get a voucher to claim a free live demonstration of our drone technology. So pop by our booth, grab your voucher, and get in touch to book the demo at a time to suit you.

2020: A Year Like No Other

Managers in QuadSAT year 2020
By Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT

2020 has been a strange and challenging year for all of us. Whilst it has been dominated by the global pandemic, and all the concerns that have brought, it has also been the year that the satellite industry learned to adapt. At QuadSAT, we were no exception. However, out of the chaos of this year, there have been some positives, so with so much negativity, we thought we would end the year with a couple of the good things we will take away from this year:

1. We learnt to demo virtually

As with many companies, we had to quickly adapt to a virtual environment for absolutely everything. With lots of tests planned for this year, we had to quickly rethink the way we met our customers and demonstrated our solution. Although we look forward to meeting in person again, we have managed to deliver our demos to global stakeholders in a virtual environment, which certainly saves a great deal of time compared to travelling across the world.

2. We raised more funding

This year we secured the largest venture investment in a Danish drone tech company in history. As ever, we are grateful to our investors. Seraphim Capital, the world’s first venture fund dedicated to SpaceTech, and Vaekstfonden, the Danish state’s investment fund, are once again investing, having been with us since the first round of investments.

3. We have had more time for research and development

Having more time on our hands has given us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in developments. Thanks to that, coupled with the investment, we have been able to truly accelerate product development and testing. This has helped us fine-tune our product, as well as looking into other areas where our product can solve challenges. One example of this is recent tests we held together with Terma that demonstrated our drone solution’s ability to test and validate radar system performance at the site where the radar is deployed.

4. We are ready to bring the product to market

Thanks to the development and testing time we can transition our current technology – offered as a service now – to be sold as a product for third-party users. Our product will be ready for commercial launch in March 2021, much sooner than would have otherwise been possible. The commercial product will make the process of testing much quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective, with the opportunity to own private test facilities operating in the air instead of investing money in real estate and advanced test facilities. It will also free up valuable time for research institutes and universities that are currently carrying out much of this testing. In turn, this will allow these organisations more time to work on new research to further other innovations in satcoms.

2020 has certainly been a difficult year, however, the satellite industry has risen to the challenge. At QuadSAT, we have managed to extract some positives from a year without travel, but we are excited for a return to normality and cannot wait to get back out in the world to meet industry friends and colleagues. In the meantime, get in touch if you would like a virtual demo.

You can read our fuller year in review in the latest Sat Magazine.

QuadSAT Demonstrates On-Site Radar Measurements

Terma radar test

Odense, Denmark, December 2, 2020: QuadSAT has successfully completed tests, which demonstrated QuadSAT’s RF-testing drone’s ability to test and validate radar system performance at the site where the radar is deployed. The test course was supported by Terma.

The aim of the actual project was to determine whether the QuadSAT solution, originally made for testing satellite antennas, could be used for on-site validation of radar systems.

For the purpose of the demonstration, two radar systems were used. One deployed on land and one at the coast. QuadSAT measured the radar systems to validate the simulations done by Terma showing how the radar systems are affected by multipath lobing, such as reflections from ground and water.

“At Terma, we continuously scan the industry for innovative new companies with technology that can improve and add to existing processes.” Preben Schmidt Nielsen, Senior Specialist, Innovation Lab, Discovery & Incubation at Terma A/S, explains. “Working with QuadSAT has been a great process and the innovation height of their system is impressive”.

QuadSAT has developed the first system that can provide insights from on-site measurements of radars in its operational environment anywhere in the world. This enables a wide range of use-cases that can assist in ensuring radar system performance in a way that has not been possible before. Use-cases could be measuring the effect of buildings and topography surrounding a radar, or even how the radome covering the radar antenna might change characteristics over time.

“Tests of systems performed in the radar’s operational environment add an additional layer of understanding to the computer simulations and laboratory-generated measurements of radar performance. We, therefore, see QuadSAT’s system as a valuable addition to our current methods of ensuring the performance of radars manufactured by Terma.” Morten Østergaard Pedersen, Senior Specialist, Radar Architect at Terma A/S, explains.

Joakim Espeland, Chief Executive Officer at QuadSAT adds: “Working with Terma is really important for us. Terma is leading the way in Danish Aerospace and Defense industry and we are happy and proud that the team sees the innovativeness and value of our system.”

QuadSAT’s solution is already available as a service to operators and antenna manufacturers. It will be available as a commercial product in Q1 2021, making antenna testing and verification cost-efficient and accessible.

About QuadSAT
QuadSAT’s system delivers safety in the performance of RF applications such as satcom- and radar systems by providing an automated, flexible, and location-independent system for in-situ tests and measurements. The systems consist of state-of-the-art drone technology integrated with a custom RF payload as well as automation- and measurement software.

Media Contact: Helen Weedon, Radical Moves PR, helen@radicalmovespr.co.uk, +44 7733 231922

About Terma
Denmark based high-tech Terma Group develops products and systems for defence and non-defence security applications; including command and control systems, radar systems, self-protection systems for aircraft, space technology, and aerostructures for the aircraft industry.

The Largest Drone Tech Investment in Denmark of €2 million

QuadSAT drone largest investment

Odense, Denmark, September 10, 2020: QuadSAT, a Danish company that is revolutionising the test and measurement of satellite antennas, announced today that it has closed a €2 million Pre-Series A Investment, the largest venture investment in a Danish drone tech company in history. The round was led by Seraphim Capital, the world’s first venture fund dedicated to SpaceTech, Vaekstfonden, the Danish state’s investment fund, and Angel Investor, Helge Munk.

The use of space is key to solving significant challenges faced in the world – from ensuring worldwide connectivity to providing data to solve environmental issues. As a multitude of sectors starts looking toward space, the number of satellites in orbit will increase significantly in the next few years.

With the amounts of communication satellites in use today, levels of radiofrequency (RF) interference are increasing year by year. If not managed properly the accelerating growth of the Satcom industry will drown the radio spectrum in RF interference, reducing bandwidth and causing connection breakouts. Poorly performing and inaccurate ground antennas are the main source of RF interference. For antenna research and development, and for approval to bring new antennas to market, access to testing is essential.

For the antenna ground segment to keep up with the rapid development of satellites in orbit there is a great need for a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient testing solution. QuadSAT revolutionises antenna testing by combining state of the art drone- and RF technology with custom-developed software making automated antenna tests and measurements available anytime and anywhere.

Andrian Buchi, CTO and co-founder, says: “We see a high level of interest for our technology, not only in antenna measurements but also in other test solutions aimed specifically at higher frequencies and at the future mass deployment of mega-constellations. This investment allows us to develop the product line to match the industry needs, and to build a strong team able to tackle future challenges”. Joakim Espeland, CEO and co-founder adds “Our solution is the only one that can provide the scalability of test and measurements required for a robust satcom infrastructure to minimize challenges such as dropped calls and internet buffering”.

To ensure the best fit between QuadSAT’s solution and the industry requirements, the team is working closely with SOMAP, a consortium of the world’s biggest Satellite Operators. Further, QuadSAT has recently completed contracts with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) program for supporting the development of advanced Satcom products and services.

The investment round follows a seed round at the start of 2019. This pre-series A investment is a catalyst for exploiting the potential of QuadSAT’s unique position as the only company that can provide mobile testing at scale. This will accelerate product testing allowing QuadSAT to transition its current product, currently offered as a service, to be sold as a product for third party users. This will also allow QuadSAT to expand its UK research and development activities.

QuadSAT plans to raise a Series A round within a year further expanding the revolution of antenna testing in the SATCOM industry.

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible, and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, drone technology, and mathematical algorithms to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical antenna performance tests. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

Media Contact: Helen Weedon, Radical Moves PR, helen@radicalmovespr.co.uk, +44 7733 231922


About Vaekstfonden

Vaekstfonden is the Danish state’s investment fund that contributes to the creation of new companies by providing capital and expertise. Since 1992, Vaekstfonden has together with private investors co-financed growth in more than 8,500 Danish companies with a total commitment of more than DKK 27.3 billion.

For more information, please visit: www.vf.dk

Media contact: Cecilie Idun Andersen, Communication Advisor, cea@vf.dk, + 45 31 93 05 73


About Seraphim Capital

Seraphim Capital is the world’s largest specialist space-tech venture fund. They focus on backing both space and aerial platforms collecting and communicating data from above, in addition to the broader enabling technologies that support the full space-tech ecosystem. The £70m fund has pioneered a multi-corporate venture fund model, harnessing the collective experience and expertise of leading space industry players including the likes of Airbus, SES and Telespazio to provide start-ups the fund invests in with unparalleled access to and guidance from the top echelons of the space sector.

For more information, please visit: www.seraphimcapital.com

Media contact: Spacecamp@fieldhouseassociates.com


About Helge Munk

Helge Munk is a Business Angel with 10 active investments through his holding company Helge Munk Holding. Helge was named the Danish “Business Angel of the Year“ in 2018 and is highly successful in his investments as he currently holds an exit rate of up to 80. Helge has founded and been a co-founder of more than 15 companies, mostly in the IT industry, but during the last years, he has also invested in the tech industry.

Media contact: hm@munkholding.dk