Satellite 2023: Orbit to introduce the OceanTRx4 MIL and launch its Orbit Switching Matrix (OSM) for managing multiple antennas on maritime vessels
By switching between antennas to support stable satellite link, the OSM enables smart handling of blockage zones. At the event, the company will also present the Ocean TRx 4 MIL – a full MIL-STD maritime SATCOM terminal – for the first time in the USA.
13 March, 2023. Orbit Communication Systems Ltd. (TASE: ORBI), a leading global provider of satellite
communications solutions, is presenting its OceanTRx 4MIL advanced antenna system and launching its
Orbit Switching Matrix (OSM) for management of several antennas on a military naval vessel, in order to
enable continuous satellite communication, even in challenging conditions.
Orbit will be presenting the OceanTRx 4MIL – a full MIL-STD maritime SATCOM terminal – for the first
time in the USA. The MIL’s unique four-frequency-band capability enables simultaneous operation or
automatic switching between dual X/Ka, Ku/Ka and multiple bands, and optional fast, manual band
swapping with multiple BUCs per system. The compact system offers significant space savings in any
navy vessel existing today, while delivering extremely high performance.
As well as being capable of working with different types of satellites and offering operational flexibility,
the waterproof, ruggedized system has been designed and tested according to the strictest MIL-STD-
810G standards. It is suitable for operation in harsh environmental conditions, including humidity,
temperature variations, ship vibrations, and more, and offers superior stabilization and tracking under
severe sea conditions, all without any periodic maintenance being required. The OceanTRx 4MIL system
is also designed – and has been successfully tested – for EMI/EMC immunity, in accordance with MIL-
STD-461G.
Featuring a switch box electrical card configuration, and available in a fiber optic or coaxial version, the
OSM is designed to perform RF switching between any Tx or Rx input port, and any output port. Able to
connect up to 8 modems to up to 8 antennas, it can also aggregate multiple inputs to single outputs, for
example connecting a single antenna to multiple modems. The OSM also enables smart handling of
blockage zones, by switching between antennas to support stable satellite link.
“We developed the OSM (Orbit switching matrix) having identified a real need for a solution to manage
an array of antennas, in order to maintain continuous satellite communication for vessels,” says Daniel
Eshchar, CEO of Orbit. “The marine environment is challenging and requires solutions that can withstand
harsh conditions. We at Orbit are proud of the Ocean TRX 4 MIL system, which conforms to military
standards and, together with the OSM, provide a complete communication solution for marine vessels.
Our maritime SATCOM products have been selected by over 25 navies worldwide, and can be found on
oil and gas platforms, and on seismic and support vessels.”
Photo courtesy Orbit
