Safran DSI Introduces the First US-Built 5.5 Meter LEO Satellite Tracking Antenna

Safran DSI Introduces the First US-Built 5.5 Meter LEO Satellite Tracking Antenna

Safran Defense & Space, a global leader in advanced space technology, has successfully completed its first US-built 5.5 meter "VISION" LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite tracking antenna. This cutting-edge antenna, manufactured in Norcross, Georgia, marks a significant step in Safran DSI’s commitment to delivering American-made solutions for space and defense applications.

The VISION antenna is specifically designed for high-duty cycle operations, catering to both modern proliferated LEO missions and legacy space programs. With its advanced capabilities in satellite communications, remote sensing, and telemetry, the antenna sets a new benchmark for reliability and performance.

What sets the VISION antenna apart is its tri-band frequency capability, supporting simultaneous operations in X, S, and Ka bands. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of LEO missions, from secure satellite communications to advanced Earth observation technologies.

Expanding U.S. Manufacturing Capabilities

Richard Schgallis, EVP of Strategic Business Development and Head of Space Solutions at Safran DSI, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening its U.S. presence: "Building a new antenna here reflects our commitment to offering American-made solutions for our customers and the U.S. government, while also establishing the U.S. as a hub of expertise and support."

Further cementing its expansion in the U.S., Safran DSI has unveiled plans to open a new factory in Colorado dedicated to manufacturing small-satellite electric propulsion thrusters, with the first deliveries expected in Q2 2026.

Safran DSI’s Norcross facility is at the forefront of antenna manufacturing, validation, and servicing, ensuring the highest industry standards. The facility is AS9100-certified, reinforcing the company’s dedication to quality, precision, and reliability. As a subsidiary of Safran Group, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and space technology, Safran DSI benefits from cutting-edge innovations and a vast network of resources. With over 92,000 employees worldwide and €23.2 billion in sales (2023), Safran continues to lead the industry with groundbreaking research and development.

Click here to learn more about Safran's 'VISION' LEO Satellite Tracking Antenna

Publisher: SatNow

GNSS Constellations - A list of all GNSS satellites by constellations

beidou

Satellite NameOrbit Date
BeiDou-3 G4Geostationary Orbit (GEO)17 May, 2023
BeiDou-3 G2Geostationary Orbit (GEO)09 Mar, 2020
Compass-IGSO7Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)09 Feb, 2020
BeiDou-3 M19Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M20Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M21Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M22Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 I3Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M23Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019
BeiDou-3 M24Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019

galileo

Satellite NameOrbit Date
GSAT0223MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0224MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0219MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0220MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0221MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0222MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0215MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0216MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0217MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0218MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017

glonass

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Kosmos 2569--07 Aug, 2023
Kosmos 2564--28 Nov, 2022
Kosmos 2559--10 Oct, 2022
Kosmos 2557--07 Jul, 2022
Kosmos 2547--25 Oct, 2020
Kosmos 2545--16 Mar, 2020
Kosmos 2544--11 Dec, 2019
Kosmos 2534--27 May, 2019
Kosmos 2529--03 Nov, 2018
Kosmos 2527--16 Jun, 2018

gps

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Navstar 82Medium Earth Orbit19 Jan, 2023
Navstar 81Medium Earth Orbit17 Jun, 2021
Navstar 78Medium Earth Orbit22 Aug, 2019
Navstar 77Medium Earth Orbit23 Dec, 2018
Navstar 76Medium Earth Orbit05 Feb, 2016
Navstar 75Medium Earth Orbit31 Oct, 2015
Navstar 74Medium Earth Orbit15 Jul, 2015
Navstar 73Medium Earth Orbit25 Mar, 2015
Navstar 72Medium Earth Orbit29 Oct, 2014
Navstar 71Medium Earth Orbit02 Aug, 2014

irnss

Satellite NameOrbit Date
NVS-01Geostationary Orbit (GEO)29 May, 2023
IRNSS-1IInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)12 Apr, 2018
IRNSS-1HSub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO)31 Aug, 2017
IRNSS-1GGeostationary Orbit (GEO)28 Apr, 2016
IRNSS-1FGeostationary Orbit (GEO)10 Mar, 2016
IRNSS-1EGeosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)20 Jan, 2016
IRNSS-1DInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)28 Mar, 2015
IRNSS-1CGeostationary Orbit (GEO)16 Oct, 2014
IRNSS-1BInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Apr, 2014
IRNSS-1AInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)01 Jul, 2013