PHOENIX, Sept. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(NASDAQ: HON), has ramped up its commitment to the rapidly
growing small satellite market segment by adding three new products
to its lineup of space offerings. The newest additions include
Honeywell's X Band Downlink Transmitter and Optical Communication
Terminal (OCT), which enable high-bandwidth data to be transmitted
both down to Earth and between satellites. Additionally, Honeywell
is debuting a new line of Commercial Series reaction wheel
assemblies specifically designed for commercial space
satellites.
All three of these new products are intended to serve the small
commercial satellite market segment, which has cost and production
volume requirements different than traditional space programs.
Instead of producing only one satellite that must function for
years or decades, these satellites are smaller, have a shorter
lifespan, and are often part of a large network composed of dozens
or hundreds of satellites, known as a "constellation."
Enabling High-Data Communications
Though they can perform a variety of tasks, two common uses for
satellites are to capture images of Earth and to enable
connectivity, or internet service. Honeywell's new X Band Downlink
Transmitter and OCT are designed to handle large amounts of data
being transmitted from and between satellites.
Honeywell's X Band product has been selected by LeoStella for
integration on the first three satellites of a constellation that
will provide Space Situational Awareness services, which will
deliver essential information to help operators navigate their
satellites safely and manage global "space traffic" in orbit.
"Think of data like water and our products as the pipeline that
carries the water. As image quality and internet speeds increase,
the amount of data being sent increases as well," said Mark Covelli, senior director, Space Strategic
Marketing and Sales, Honeywell Aerospace. "Our customers'
satellites need to be equipped with wider 'pipelines' to handle the
larger amounts of data. These products are specifically designed to
meet that need, and our X Band product will help LeoStella's
satellites meet its mission requirements."
Although both products transmit data, they serve different
purposes. Honeywell's X Band Downlink Transmitter is intended for
satellites that transmit information back to the ground. The OCT is
similar, but it can handle data rates 10 to 100 times higher than X
Band, allowing data to not only be transmitted to the ground but
also between satellites in a constellation. This makes it an ideal
solution to enable high-speed internet or to connect military
satellites in a meshed network with maximum flexibility and
speed.
Honeywell is currently accepting orders for its X Band Downlink
Transmitter and OCT, with the production release anticipated toward
the end of 2021.
Satellite Attitude Control
Building upon decades of experience developing reaction wheel
assemblies (RWAs), Honeywell has launched a new line known as the
Honeywell Commercial (HC) Series RWAs. The series consists
of the HC7 and HC9 reaction wheels, so named because they are
roughly seven and nine inches in diameter. These reaction wheels
are designed specifically for small satellites, meaning they have a
shorter lifespan and are significantly lower in cost, while still
maintaining the high levels of performance.
"The companies launching and operating small satellites have
significantly different requirements than your traditional years-
or decades-long space programs. These satellites are orbiting
closer to Earth, they're much smaller, there are significantly more
of them and simply put, they don't need to last for years or
decades," Covelli said. "Honeywell saw a gap in this segment and is
now using our expertise in reaction wheels to create a new family
of products that meets the needs of customers operating in this new
environment."
Reaction wheels are a type of flywheel used primarily to control
the attitude of spacecraft or satellites. They use electric motors,
which spin the wheels to tilt or point spacecraft using momentum.
Essentially, they keep spacecraft still, making them a good option
for communications satellites that point at fixed targets on the
ground.
Honeywell's Commercial Series reaction wheels completed
qualification in Q2 of 2021 with first deliveries anticipated in
Q4, and eventual launch into space expected in late 2022.
Honeywell has extensive expertise in developing and
manufacturing satellite hardware to meet the high-performance
demands of space missions, providing precision equipment and
solutions that include end-to-end design and manufacturing. Today,
Honeywell products can be found on more than 1,000 satellites,
delivering mission success.
For more information on Honeywell's products for small
satellites, visit aerospace.honeywell.com.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually
every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace
business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin
electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components
and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more
fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer
skies and airports. For more information, visit
www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology
company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include
aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings
and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies
help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and
workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and
more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell,
please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
Contacts:
Media
Adam
Kress
(602)
760-6252
Adam.Kress@Honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell