UtilitySat is the World's First Multi-Mission GEO Satellite

A new type of geostationary satellite dubbed UtilitySat has been introduced by Astranis, which is calling the new spacecraft the "Swiss Army Knife" of GEO satellites.

"Astranis does not build traditional GEO satellites. From day one we knew there had to be a better way, and we’re doing it."

John Gedmark, Astranis

John Gedmark, CEO of Astranis, said in a posting on the Internet that the UtilitySat is one of four being launched later this year. And many more of the satellites are planned in the years ahead.

UtilitySat is unique in that it can be used for more than one mission by multiple customers. It can provide connectivity on standard Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands, and has the flexibility to dial in exact frequencies using Astranis’s proprietary ultra-wideband software-defined radio.

It can also relocate dozens of times around the GEO belt over its lifetime. It does this using our unique on-board dual-propulsion architecture, which includes both a chemical monopropellant system and an electric ion thruster.

"Traditional geostationary satellites are designed to sit in one orbital slot for up to 20 years, with a set of frequency bands that is hardwired in at the factory. Their single mission must be predetermined many years before they are launched," Gedmark wrote. "Astranis does not build traditional GEO satellites. From day one we knew there had to be a better way, and we’re doing it."

UtilitySat has been Two Years in the Making

Development of UtilitySat began almost 2 years ago with many different missions in mind. UtilitySat can serve as bridge capacity for a customer that is waiting for a dedicated satellite, as an on-orbit spare, or as extra, surge capacity that can be brought in to supplement the broadband service we’re providing to one of our customers.

There are acute needs as well — a natural disaster can wipe out terrestrial connectivity over a huge geographic area. One of the top priorities for first responders and during disaster relief is reliable comms on the ground. With multiple UtilitySats on orbit, Astranis can bring in extra capacity on incredibly short notice. Capacity that is compatible with existing, low-cost GEO ground terminals.

The first UtilitySat mission will be a commercial one, but we are seeing enormous demand from both from commercial companies and from our government customers. The US Government has unique needs — Combatant Commanders need to be able to task dedicated satellites to specific AORs at a moment’s notice — and surge communications would give them a new tool in their toolbox, helping them win even in a contested environment.

(Source: Astranis. Images provided)