[SatNews] Seattle-based Kymeta Corporation and Airbus Defence and Space today announced a partnership in which Airbus intends to sell Kymeta’s new mTenna™ satcom antennas in key markets on an exclusive basis. In the deal, Airbus Defence and Space has plans to purchase maritime terminals, which will be combined with compelling new service offerings and made available to the commercial shipping and super-yacht market.

Exclusive Agreement Brings mTenna Technology to Commercial Shipping and Super Yachts

As part of the new agreement, Airbus Defence and Space is providing Kymeta with key strategic and market inputs to assist in developing mTenna systems for the maritime market, as well as providing pilot customers for a forthcoming testing program. 

The mTenna™ owes its small size and portability to metamaterials, substances that can enhance and manipulate a satellite signal while occupying virtually no space. Image credit: Kymeta

Kymeta’s new mTenna suite of satellite antennas are based on electromagnetic metamaterials technology. These ultra-thin antennas use a holographic approach to electronically acquire, steer, and lock a beam to any satellite. Kymeta’s flat, light and low-cost satellite tracking antennas are designed to work seamlessly with Intelsat’s current generation satellite fleet and next generation EpicNG, and are ideal for many users in a variety of communications markets where traditional antennas are not currently practical or feasible. 

“We are uniquely positioned as a technology agnostic company, so it’s vital that we are able to offer the widest range of antennas, below deck hardware and software as possible,” said Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime Satcoms in Airbus Defence and Space. “Our approach is to provide the best solution for each and every customer, which is only possible by building relationships and securing capacity with SNOs like Intelsat and securing access to innovative solutions with technology companies we believe in like Kymeta.” 

“We are proud to partner with Airbus Defence and Space to bring next generation satellite Internet connectivity to the maritime industry,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, president and CTO of Kymeta. “Kymeta’s mTenna technology addresses the cost and complexity challenges in delivering mobile satellite connectivity in multiple mobility markets. This partnership will address existing markets, create entirely new markets, and further our vision of enabling lower cost, high-speed satellite Internet connectivity to millions of users anywhere in the world.”