Emerging Technology Market Intelligence Blog

Flat Panel Antenna To be a Game Changer for Satellite Communication

Written by BIS Research | Jan 4, 2022 7:28:44 AM

Flat panel antennas are referred to as satellite antennas used to maintain a connection between the receiving object and the satellite electronically by transmitting or receiving radio waves instead of electronically altering the direction of that signal. They don't change the direction of the antenna.

In the earliest years after the discovery of satellites, the predominant trend was designing and manufacturing larger satellites.

The revolution in the space industry is mainly propelled by technological innovations that allow for a more affordable means of traveling through the space vortex. The advent of satellite technology has enabled us a global communication satellite industry, which leads the way to bridge the enormous network coverage gap on Earth.

As antennas play a pivotal role in the transmission of radio signals, companies active in the sector are highly engaged in research and development initiatives and have invested heavily in new technologies associated with the advancement of satellite communication in the market.

Satellites play a crucial role in connecting internet-of-things (IoT) devices, and flat panel antennas are expected to be a game changer in further boosting their role. Flat panel antennas can provide immense value to commercial ships and yachts as parabolic antennas are complex in installation and configuration. Flat panel antennas are like plug-and-play systems with minimal installation, configuration, and maintenance effort.

An electronically steered antenna helps increase the operational range. It is more power efficient and offers less maintenance than current standard technology. Small, lightweight, and low-profile antennas can generate good coverage, but they're complex in design and expensive to manufacture. Therefore, flat panel antenna technology is designed to address these problems by being simple to implement.

Land mobility will soon be another market that could benefit from low-cost antennas. Also, the satellite communications industry will benefit from satellites with more flexibility due to onboard processing. The advent of this new capability will change how landscapes leverage assets in the sky.

As the antennas play a pivot role, companies operating in the antenna market are highly engaged in research and development initiatives. They have been investing in developing new innovative technologies that are expected to enhance future satellite communication on the moving market.

Pros And Cons of Flat Panel Antennas

Pros:

1. In the shipping industry, flat panel antennas are a more discreet option for satellite communication on big vessels than the large radomes used by ships when broadband satellite communication is needed.

2. Flat panel phased array antennas track satellites electronically while the units themselves are stationary. Therefore, there are no moving parts to wear out or fail.

Cons:

1. In a maritime setting, flat panel antennas can be challenging to maintain a strong link to the satellite because the pitching and rolling of vessels can intermittently result in antennas being at angles not perpendicular to the satellite.

2. Due to the aforementioned issue, multiple antennas may be needed. This can be a pricey addition to the overall cost of installation. Alternatively, a more reliable steering solution could be provided by installing a mechanical steering system that would effectively allow for larger antennas without losing their advantage of being slender and flat.

Global Satellite Flat Panel Antenna Market Overview

Nowadays, the market for satellite-based connectivity services is growing. The global satellite flat panel antenna market is estimated to reach $18.39 billion in 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.63% during the forecast period 2021-2031. This growth is due to the increasing usage of communication and navigation in an array of services.

The defense and government end-user industry in the global satellite flat panel antenna market is expected to dominate during the forecast period 2021-2031. The importance of satellite internet in various applications, especially for the government sector, is very high. Most of the governments across the globe are signing contracts and forming strategic partnerships with flat panel antenna providers to provide internet connections for remote and hard-to-reach locations.

North America is expected to dominate the global satellite flat panel antenna market during the forecast period. The factor attributing to the growth of this region is the high presence of key companies and a large number of other organizations highly engaged in developing, improving, and providing flat panel antenna solutions.

Technology advancement by key players in the satellite industry is another factor contributing to the growth of this marketplace. The constant innovation provided by these leading companies helps drive business forward with an enhanced product lineup and improved performance overall.