MDA Ltd., a leading provider of technology and services to the global space industry, has unveiled details about its new software-defined digital satellite product line at the World Satellite Business Week conference. This new product line comes at a time when the industry is transitioning from analog to digital software-defined satellites.
The transition to digital satellite solutions offers significant benefits to satellite operators. MDA’s digital solution, for example, is more efficient and capable of delivering three times the number of beams compared to analog solutions. Telesat, which has selected MDA as its prime satellite contractor for its LEO constellation, has experienced these advantages firsthand. MDA’s digital satellite technology allows Telesat to decrease their satellite bus size without compromising service performance or capacity.
To meet the increasing demand for digital satellite technologies, MDA is bringing to market a new software-defined digital satellite product line. This line includes standardized and modular software-defined satellites, a regenerative on-board processor, digital beamforming-enabled arrays, and a constellation software suite. MDA’s advanced manufacturing capability and capacity enable the production of two satellites a day, reducing costs and production time.
According to market research firm NSR, the demand for software-defined satellites is growing. Over the next decade, nearly 26,000 partially or fully flexible SDS satellites are expected to be ordered. The industry is working to accommodate this trend by focusing on high-volume production, lower costs, and standardized offerings.
MDA’s investment in satellite innovation and infrastructure puts them at the forefront of the transition from analog to digital satellite technology. The company is committed to developing digital satellite products and advanced manufacturing capabilities to lead this transformation alongside their customers.
Overall, the shift to software-defined digital satellites brings improved performance, reduced costs, and increased efficiency to the satellite industry. It opens up new possibilities for global satellite connectivity and business models, benefiting both operators and end-users. With MDA’s innovative solutions and focus on digital satellite technology, the industry is taking a significant step forward in the pursuit of enhanced satellite communication.