4 ms·
Starlink receivers will use solid-state phased array beamforming antennae, so nothing has to physically "swing" to a new satellite. With a reasonably accurate a
by ch4ch4 7y ago
Starlink receivers will use solid-state phased array beamforming antennae, so nothing has to physically "swing" to a new satellite. With a reasonably accurate accelerometer and inertial sensor, it's easy to compensate for aircraft movement.
- ggm 7y agoI thought even the current GEO orbit antenna were phased array. If not, there might also be the point that the aerodynamics for a phased array shell may be less expensive on fuel burden (less air resistance, less turbulence) and lighter, so cheaper overall. (at a refit cost)
- dreamcompiler 7y agoMost of the ones I've seen still have moving parts. They're clever mechanisms and are not as deep as a swinging dish, but they're still motorized.
- tyingq 7y agoThe Connexion antenna was all phased array with no tilt/yaw, but it was huge. The ones on aircraft now do track the satellite, tilt, etc.
- tyingq 7y agoAhh, that's helpful, but the spot size is likely pretty small, so there is probably some work on how to make the transition from spot to spot seamless.
- nradov 7y agoInstalling two antennas per aircraft could make the transitions pretty seamless, at the cost of a little extra weight and drag.
- dreamcompiler 7y agoThat's how it will have to be done in any case. The only question is whether they'll split the phased array transducers in one large array to look at two satellites at once, or have two separate smaller arrays. Both approaches can be made to work, and the first is probably better aerodynamically.
- hoseja 7y agoI don't think you'd even need that, the antenna can "simply" seek the strongest signal direction.