Date: Dec 28, 2005 Source: MDA (
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Summary:
GATR Technologies, Inc. (Huntsville, AL), has developed a highly portable 1.8-meter antenna for high-bandwidth satellite communications in remote locations. Key advantages include light weight, low cost, low transmission power, and low power consumption. Potential applications include military and emergency communications, and remote news broadcasts. The company has successfully used its antenna technology to help victims of Hurricane Katrina transmit Federal assistance forms and communicate with others outside southern Mississippi.
Technology Description:
The antenna looks like a giant beach ball and weighs approximately 70 pounds. Made from a proprietary synthetic material, the ball folds into a special backpack or container. It anchors to the ground using guy wires and stakes and inflates with a blower. Inside, a parabolic-shaped reflector membrane is attached to the ball. Pressure is monitored on both sides of the reflector membrane by a sensor and blower. At the top of the ball a feed assembly allows the mounting of amplifiers and modulators. The 1.8-meter antenna is designed for X, Ku, and other bands. A lightweight mount holds antenna and provides automated pointing and tracking.
Compared to conventional technologies, GATR says the antenna design provides an order of magnitude of improvement in packaging efficiency and mass at a fraction of the cost. Transmission power output is also important. In general, the larger the aperture of the antenna, the less transmission power it requires. So smaller antennas need to boost transmission power. But this can cause their transmissions to interfere with other satellites. GATR's antenna provides the transmission power benefits of a large aperture antenna, but with portability of a smaller antenna. Power needs are low. GATR has successfully operated its antenna for long periods using only a 1,000-watt off-the-shelf power generator.
A wireless network to support multiple users can be created using the antenna.
MDA Origins:
In 2004, MDA awarded GATR and its subcontractors, IGI, LLC and SRS Technologies, an SBIR Phase I to design a deployable satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense. This technology, if developed and deployed, could provide high-data-rate telecommunications in remote locations such as Alaska. In 2005, MDA invited GATR to submit an SBIR Phase II proposal to conduct additional research and development.
Spinoff Applications:
Highly portable antennas for remote locations are in demand. The U.S. military needs this technology for secure communications from the battlefield. Federal, state, and local governments responding to acts of terrorism and natural disasters need this technology to establish emergency communications to coordinate relief and rescue efforts. Television broadcasters may need this technology for remote broadcasts because debris and damage may prevent support vehicles from traveling with reporters.
The antenna has been successfully tested in the field for emergency communications. After Hurricane Katrina swept through southern Mississippi, GATR's president, Paul Gierow, and his brother-in-law deployed the technology at an elementary school in Woolmarket. The school was functioning as a shelter for local residents displaced by the flooding. Gierow set up the equipment in about an hour and a half, and established a satellite communications link to the Internet equivalent to a T-1 line. He proceeded to assist Katrina victims by accessing the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site and submitting online federal assistance forms. He also e-mailed video clips and notes to victims' friends and family, and a Los Angeles reporter used his link to conduct a live radio broadcast. Ultimately, Gierow spent a week at the school helping over 250 families and law enforcement officials with their communication needs.
Commercialization:
GATR has teamed with IGI and SRS Technologies to further develop and market the antenna technology for DOD and emerging commercial applications. The company will be seeking Federal Communication Commission transmit approval for a commercial product to be launched in 2006. It is now looking for potential users to evaluate prototypes.
Company Profile:
GATR Technologies (named for Ground Antenna Transmit/Receive) was founded in 2004 and is a privately held company. Its principal technologies are advanced materials processes and inflatable antennas designs for deployable satellite communications. Its expertise lies in developing and implementing antenna systems for high-bandwidth communications in remote environments. GATR occupies a small office and laboratory space, and currently has three employees. Its founder and current president, Paul Gierow, has extensive experience building deployable space structures for space-borne communications and power. The company's revenue is generated through SBIR-funded research projects and subcontract work.
Contact Information:
Mr. Paul A. Gierow
GATR Technologies
3120 Leeman Ferry Road
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 382-4013
fax: (256) 885-4240
email: pgierow@gatr.com
web: www.gatr.com
