Live demonstration validates coherent digital beamforming, simultaneous multi-orbit tracking and a transportable, containerized configuration
ThinKom Solutions Inc. (ThinKom) and Systems Delta 88 (SYD 88), a unit of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), successfully completed a live demonstration of the Ground Entry Combined K/Ka-Band Operation (GECKO) system at ThinKom’s facilities. This rapidly deployable, scalable SATCOM node combines reliable, multi-orbit connectivity with high performance, entirely integrated into a standard 20-foot ISO shipping container to provide a discreet, “hide-in-plain-sight” transportable ground entry point where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.
The GECKO system utilizes ThinKom’s low-profile Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased array modules paired with an advanced digital Beam Forming Device (BFD). Designed to scale modularly as mission requirements evolve, the demonstrated configuration features three K-Band receive arrays (17.7–21.2 GHz) and one Ka-Band transmit array (27.5–31.0 GHz). During the live demonstration, the system coherently combined three receive antennas, significantly increasing the signal-to-noise ratio to 2.5x the level of a single array. The BFD then utilized these same antennas as three independent beams to simultaneously track one Medium Earth Orbit and lock on two different Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites.
This proven capability ensures robust, phase-continuous operations across satellite constellations, delivering a resilient SATCOM system that overcomes the single-link limitations and vulnerable visual footprint of large, traditional parabolic dishes. In addition to being a high-availability hybrid network node, system capability requirements can be split between systems, bypassing localized atmospheric attenuation through distributed geographic site diversity.
“Working with SSC on the GECKO project is another opportunity to put secure, reliable communications where they’re needed most,” said Bill Milroy, CTO and co-founder at ThinKom. “Our goal is to give warfighters communications capabilities that can be deployed quickly, remain concealed, and keep them connected in dangerous and contested environments.”
Developed through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project in partnership with Air Force Research Lab and SpaceWERX under SYD 88/S9, this event marks a critical milestone in the broader Global Backup Gateway initiative, a high-priority military project funded by the U.S. Space Force’s SSC.