Inmarsat completes preliminary tests for Orchestra mesh network

Inmarsat said the tests proved the effectiveness of the stepping-stone connections in the Orchestra maritime mesh, which are expected to reach at least 10km and 100 megabits per second per link, with the mesh network extending this to 30 km and beyond. Speed performance will be evaluated in future tests.

Inmarsat chief technology officer Peter Hadinger said, “Through Inmarsat’s innovative use of spectrum and technology, combined with state-of-the-art terrestrial mesh networks including using vessels as stepping stones, Inmarsat will deliver enhanced and customised connectivity to our customers.”

“This will enable Inmarsat to improve services in the future by anticipating and managing demand from customers in hotspots. It is a win for all our users and Inmarsat will work with national regulators to deliver the benefits of advanced regional connectivity that will also contribute to their governments’ economic growth plans.”

Orchestra combines geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, highly targeted low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial communications into a dynamic mesh network to help connectivity at scale. The existing geostationary network will be supplemented further through six additional launches by 2025.

Orchestra’s terrestrial mesh will be an extension of Inmarsat’s existing services, not a standalone service. Alongside high-speed connectivity via existing geostationary Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band and ELERA L-band satellites, the company intends to add two payloads in highly elliptical orbit for continuous Arctic coverage in 2023 as well as a further four GEO satellites by 2025.

Inmarsat said the terrestrial network will follow shortly after with the LEO network rounding out Orchestra before the end of the decade.

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