MDA Space has entered into an authorization to proceed (ATP) agreement with Thales Alenia Space to begin work on MDA AURORA broadband phased array antennas and a matching controller for the 66 "Layer 1" IRIS² satellites in low Earth orbit, the company said in an Oct. 30 release. The ATP is valued at more than $100 million, according to MDA Space.
A phased array packs many small radiating elements so radio beams can be steered electronically without moving parts. The AURORA antennas have digital beamforming capabilities, Via Satellite reported.
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), according to the MDA Space release. The AURORA system and associated subsystems are designed, manufactured and tested at the firm's Montréal facility, the company said.