Viasat & QEST Explore Next-Generation Multi-Band Antenna

Viasat and QEST are collaborating to explore the development of a dual X-band and Ka-band airborne antenna system designed to provide resilient connectivity for global defense customers.

This partnership centers on evolving Viasat’s Hybrid SATCOM Approach (HSA), a flight-proven platform that delivers multi-frequency and multi-orbit connectivity across GEO, MEO, HEO, and LEO constellations. The technical objective involves integrating QEST’s X-band aperture technology into Viasat’s existing Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5530. By replacing the current Ku-band aperture with QEST’s hardware, the companies aim to evaluate a terminal capable of accessing both military X-band networks and diverse Ka-band satellite services.

The GAT5530 is already an established component of the HSA platform, known for its open-architecture design. QEST, a provider of high-performance broadband satellite antennas, brings a fully qualified X-band aperture operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 to the project. The joint effort seeks to create a “form, fit, and function” alternative within the HSA architecture, allowing operators to switch between Ku/Ka or X/Ka configurations without needing to alter aircraft installation requirements.

Through this collaboration, the two entities will assess engineering considerations, technical integration paths, and potential customer use cases. The initiative is intended to offer fixed-wing aircraft operators improved mission assurance and greater flexibility when navigating between commercial and sovereign networks.

Jason Sabol, Vice President of Government Aviation, Viasat Government Services and Solutions, said, “Multi-band connectivity is becoming increasingly important for mission assurance and operational flexibility. Working with QEST allows us to explore how the proven performance of the Viasat GAT5530 platform could be expanded to support additional frequency bands and meet evolving sovereign mission requirements.”

Dr. Phillip Mayer, CEO at QEST, added, “At QEST, we drive technological innovation to provide our customers with maximum operational capability and secure communications. Our joint development of an X/Ka-capable aviation terminal with Viasat is a significant step towards delivering state-of-the-art multi-band and multi-orbit connectivity for the most demanding mission profiles.”

Moving forward, Viasat and QEST will evaluate system designs and the possibility of manufacturing at QEST’s facilities for the European defense market. While the current agreement focuses on strategic collaboration and technical assessment rather than a final product commitment, it establishes a framework for future development milestones and technology demonstrations.