Hughes Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) Successfully Completes Flight Test Using LEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Hughes Network Systems has successfully completed a test flight of its Gogo Galileo HDX Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) on a Bombardier Challenger 300. The company plans to release a commercial aviation variant in the first half of 2025. The ESA technology is designed with a low profile and small size for easy integration and maintenance on aircraft of any size. The terminals are manufactured at Hughes' new facility in Germantown, Maryland. The system aims to provide seamless gate-to-gate connectivity for business jet owners using LEO connectivity, leveraging Hughes' 20+ years of aviation connectivity experience.

Positive

• Successful completion of ESA flight test
• Commercial aviation variant launch planned for H1 2025
• New state-of-the-art manufacturing facility operational

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The successful flight test of Hughes' Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) represents a significant technological advancement in aviation connectivity. The ESA's ability to track and connect with LEO satellites without mechanical parts marks a crucial innovation for the $3.8 billion business aviation connectivity market.

The system's low profile design and simplified installation process addresses key pain points in the aviation industry, where weight, drag and maintenance costs significantly impact operational expenses. Integration with Gogo's Galileo HDX platform positions Hughes strategically in the growing market for high-speed in-flight connectivity solutions.

While promising, market adoption will depend on pricing strategy and performance metrics that weren't disclosed in the announcement. The planned commercial aviation variant could potentially expand Hughes' market reach, but success will hinge on reliability data and certification timelines.

Hughes leading-edge technology is ready to transform IFEC for business jet market

GERMANTOWN, Md., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), announced the Gogo Galileo HDX Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) built by Hughes has completed its test flight on a Bombardier Challenger 300. A commercial aviation variant will be available from Hughes in the first half of 2025, using the same flight-proven technology.

"Business jet owners can unlock the full potential of LEO connectivity with the Hughes ESA to deliver a seamless, gate-to-gate connectivity experience," said Reza Rasoulian, SVP of the aviation business unit at Hughes. "We're thrilled to see Gogo Business Aviation validate our industry-leading technology and look forward to providing the business aviation sector with the solutions they need to offer an exceptional, reliable, and frustration-free in-flight entertainment and connectivity experience."

Designed with a low profile and small size to seamlessly integrate with aircraft of any size, the ESA is engineered for easy maintenance and installation. The terminals are manufactured at a new state-of-the-art Hughes facility in Germantown, Maryland. Leveraging the advanced Hughes In-Flight connectivity management system and the Hughes commercial aviation ESA, airlines worldwide can provide to their passengers an "always connected feeling."

Hughes has over 20 years of experience in the aviation connectivity business. The company offers a suite of in-flight solutions for the aviation market, focused on providing the best passenger connectivity experience through an innovative approach to aero connectivity. This flight test validates Hughes cutting edge technology and builds on the extensive end-to-end connectivity capabilities of Hughes for the aviation sector.

For more information, visit the website.

About Hughes
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its portfolio of wired and wireless solutions including 5G Open RAN and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com/ or follow HughesConnects on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

©2024 Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. Hughes and Hughesnet are registered trademarks and JUPITER is a trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

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SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

FAQ

When did Hughes (SATS) complete the ESA flight test on Bombardier Challenger 300?

Hughes completed the ESA flight test on October 28, 2024.

When will Hughes (SATS) release the commercial aviation variant of the ESA?

Hughes plans to release the commercial aviation variant in the first half of 2025.

Where does Hughes (SATS) manufacture its ESA terminals?

Hughes manufactures its ESA terminals at a new state-of-the-art facility in Germantown, Maryland.

What type of aircraft was used for Hughes (SATS) ESA flight test?

The ESA flight test was conducted on a Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft.