08:02 AM EDT, 03/14/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Telesat ( TSAT ) , a global satellite operator, and ThinKom Solutions, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of high performance satcom antennas, announced Thursday an expanded development partnership to certify ThinKom's ThinAir Ka2517 antenna for the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The multi-year agreement will see the companies cooperate on the integration and certification of the Ka2517 antenna with an airborne modem to enable communications across the Telesat Lightspeed Ka-band LEO network.

Telesat ( TSAT ) estimates that its enterprise-class constellation, paired with the Ka2517 antenna, will deliver over 1 Gbps to the aircraft. Telesat Lightspeed can dynamically allocate multiple-Gbps of capacity to areas with high demand, such as congested airport hubs or busy flight routes.

Over 800 ThinAir terminals will be deployed on commercial aircraft by the end of 2024 with the capability to add the Telesat Lightspeed network to their supported communications pathways. As the terminal of choice for the Airbus HBCplus Ka-band linefit program, ThinKom anticipates installation of the Ka2517 on up to 1000 more aircraft between now and activation of Telesat Lightspeed services. ThinKom is also pursuing direct linefit with Boeing, which will enable hundreds of additional Ka2517 installations.

"Airlines now have the ability to future-proof their inflight connectivity hardware investments when they select ThinKom's proven, high-performance Ka2517 antenna," said Dave Wendling, Telesat's ( TSAT ) Chief Technical Officer. "With a relatively simple modem kit installation, airlines will be able to seamlessly access or transition to Telesat Lightspeed connectivity for ubiquitous coverage and unsurpassed service."