Kymeta launches Kestrel u5 – a multi-orbit flat panel SATCOM antenna

US company Kymeta has launched its new flat panel SATCOM antenna called Kestrel u5. It is a response to the growing demand for high bandwidth and assured communications in defence.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 26, 2026. 

US company Kymeta has launched a new flat panel SATCOM antenna called Kestrel u5 in a March 24 press release. Described as a multi-orbit antenna, the Kestrel u5 is designed to be used both on land and at sea. 

The multi-orbit capability is particularly interesting. It means that a platform using Kestrel antennas could switch between satellites in low earth and geostationary orbits. This is a result of Kymeta’s beam forming technology, which allows very narrow beams to be formed by the electronically steered array. 

In simple terms: a LEO satellite, like Starlink, is between 400 and 1,200 km from the earth’s surface. This means that the signals do not have far to travel, and so they will not lose much of their strength. However, they are moving very quickly, which means the antenna needs to be agile. 

GEO satellites are 36,000 km away, meaning the signal loses more of its strength than a LEO constellation. To account for this, the Kestrel u5 has to create a very narrow beam and concentrate much of its energy to reach those distances.

This narrow beam also reduces the terminal’s vulnerability to jamming, the press release states. As is fast becoming standard, it includes low-probability of detection/interception features. This means that the antenna is designed to minimise its electromagnetic signature, preventing detection. If it is detected, the signals are agile and resilient to intercept, minimising the value to an adversary. 

Tech profile: Kestrel u5

As mentioned, Kestrel u5 is a flat panel antenna, which means it has no moving parts. In contrast, older SATCOM antennas would include a rotating dish that would mechanically rotate looking for the satellites. Flat panels are designed to eliminate that movement and detect and track satellites with digitally steered beams. This means an antenna can take up less space and can be integrated onto platforms like uncrewed surface vessels. However, it also means the antennas need to be able to keep in touch with a satellite without moving. To that end, the Kestrel u5 includes sub-1 ms repointing, tuning, and polarization switching for faster beam transitions. This is partly what enables the antenna to switch between constellations. Other core technical specifications for the Kestrel are outlined below. 

Specification	Details
Receive (RX) Band	10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz
RX Performance (G/T)	9.2 dB/K (broadside)
Transmit (TX) Band	13.75 GHz to 14.50 GHz
TX Performance (EIRP)	LEO: 40.3 dBW; GEO: 42.3 dBW (broadside)
Power Consumption	< 100 W (typical); 200 W (max)
Dimensions	60 cm x 60 cm x 8 cm
Weight	10.75 kg (23.7 lb.)
Operating Temperature	-40 °C to +70 °C
Ingress Protection	IP68
Cross-pol Isolation	25 dB (GEO)
Input Ports	A-PNT L1, RS-422, and GEO TX IF

 

Calibre comment: The role of SATCOM in defence

SATCOM is increasingly seen as the answer to defence problems. Broadly speaking, the problem it solves is the bandwidth needed to send vast amounts of data between units. Operational concepts like Multi Domain Operations or “any sensor, any shooter”, need considerable data exchanges between units. It is very unlikely that a conventional radio network operating on VHF will be able to handle those exchanges independently. So, SATCOM is seen as an option to fill those bandwidth shortfalls and move data around a theatre. It can also be effectively used for the control of long-range drones like the USVs employed by Ukraine. Kestrel u5 is positioned for both use cases, according to the press release. 

If you would like to read more on SATCOM and support Calibre Defence, check out the links below: 

• Calibre Interview: Helen Weedon, Satcoms Innovation Group 
• Global Invacom launches new range of SATCOM antennas built for rapid deployment 
• iDirect advances EU’s secure SatCom project – Calibre Defence 
• Spectra Group launches production version of GENSS radio – Calibre Defence 

The lead image shows a USV fitted with a Kestrel u5. Credit: Kymeta.