Sener to develop prototype for next generation backhaul terminals for SES’s O3b mPOWER system

SES has selected Sener to develop the first prototype of a next-generation ground terminal for its O3b mPOWER system. This backhaul terminal, based on active antenna technology, addresses the growing demand for resilient, high-capacity connectivity from operators, governments, and enterprises worldwide.

The O3b mPOWER constellation, operating in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), is designed to deliver high-performance, low-latency connectivity services—even in remote locations. The terminal developed by Sener features a reflector antenna with phased-array technology, enabling electronic satellite tracking without moving parts, significantly enhancing system reliability and performance. This capability is powered by custom-developed control, diagnostic, and execution software and firmware that manage real-time pointing and link geometry adaptation.

The system operates across the full Ka-band, with dual-beam reception (17.7–21.2 GHz) and single-beam transmission (27.5–31 GHz), and supports a wide scanning area (±50° azimuth, ±10° elevation). It is designed for deployment between latitudes 50° N and 50° S, providing global coverage for SES’s MEO network. Its compact and efficient design optimizes electronic integration and signal quality, maintaining a reduced volume without compromising performance.

Sener now enters the prototyping phase, during which engineering teams will develop breadboards and key subsystems: transmission and reception modules, arrays, and signal distribution networks. Performance will be validated through lab measurements, anechoic chamber testing, and final trials at SES’s antenna field in Luxembourg.

With a solid track record in traditional antennas for space and defense, Sener has invested consistently over the past decade in developing proprietary active antenna technology. The company is currently involved in multiple projects for satellite communications and downlink applications, as well as wideband and narrowband data links for defense. These developments combine expertise in radiofrequency, electronics, and control to deliver solutions tailored to demanding operational requirements.

This project marks a new milestone in the collaboration between SES and Sener, reinforcing their shared commitment to technological innovation in the space sector.