Orienting a satellite antenna, even a small one, takes some skill. Uplink antennas are particularly critical, as an improperly aimed uplink is likely to cause interference to other satellites. At IBC2006, Andrew Corp. showed an "auto-deploy" 1.2-meter antenna system that eliminates the need for trained installers or technicians. The unit allows easy access to satellites at remote locations such as oil exploration and construction sites and for military and emergency first-responder communications support.
The product is called the Small Aperture Receive Transmit Auto Deploy (SmART AD) antenna.
Specifications for the satellite had not been posted on the Andrew Corp. Web site at press time.
