Stellar Blu Solutions develops an electronically steered array (ESA) terminal, the Sidewinder, which provides high-bandwidth satellite communications for aviation by supporting both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) networks. This technology enables carriers to select service plans from multiple providers, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced connectivity options for in-flight passengers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Aviation connectivity solutions often lack flexibility, forcing carriers to rely on single-provider service plans, which can be costly and limit options for in-flight passengers. Traditional systems may not be compatible with multiple satellite networks, hindering access to the best available bandwidth and coverage.
Solution
Stellar Blu Solutions offers the Sidewinder, an electronically steered array (ESA) terminal designed to provide high-bandwidth satellite communications for aviation. This multi-network aviation terminal supports both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) networks, enabling carriers to select service plans from multiple providers. The Sidewinder's open architecture and compatibility with various Ku band modems provide a common hardware solution agnostic of internet service provider, network provider, or satellite orbit. This technology results in significant upfront and operational cost savings, along with enhanced connectivity options for in-flight passengers.
Target Audience
The primary customers are commercial and business aviation carriers seeking flexible, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, as well as government and military entities requiring integrated support for transports and UAVs.
Features
- Fuselage-mounted, electronically steered array (ESA)
- Compatible with both non-geosynchronous (LEO) and Geosynchronous orbits (LEO + GEO)
- Supports Ku band
- Compatible with modems from OneWeb (Gen 1 and Gen 2), Gilat, Newtec/iDirect, and others
- Airframe compatibility includes Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and Mitsubishi/Bombardier
- Five line-replaceable units (LRUs): receive antenna, transmit antenna, GPS antenna, power supply, antenna manager/MODMAN
- Low profile design at 3.6” from crown apex