Press Release
Patriot
Announces Prototype Antenna for Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Prototype 12 Meter Ka-Band Antenna to be delivered to NASA JPL
Albion, MI, August 17, 2005: Patriot Antenna Systems announced today that they have completed fabrication of the first prototype 12 Meter (40 ft) KA Band Antenna System for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. The antenna is being delivered under contract as an evaluation prototype to investigate mass production and low cost manufacturing methods for possible use in future NASA programs including:
· Deep Space Network: Communications support to future missions to Mars.
· Square Kilometer Array: An international radio telescope.
Small Company Makes Large Dish
“We have combined advanced antenna design and manufacturing techniques with the high standards of Michigan manufacturing excellence.” reports Jeff Mathie, President of Patriot Antenna Systems. “Three design characteristics make this a unique antenna system:
· Low cost and high volume manufacturing methods used in production of a 12m diameter antenna;
· An extremely accurate reflector surface accuracy required for high frequency satellite reception at KA Band 32 GHz;
· The ability to position the antenna with pin point accuracy towards objects millions of miles away in outer space.”
Patriot Antenna Systems is a quality manufacturer and
supplier of satellite communications equipment including electronics,
RF
equipment and satellite earth station antennas ranging in size from 60 cm
(24 in) to 16.4 meters (54 ft) in diameter. Patriot products are used for
military, Homeland Security, broadcast and deep space industries.
Established in 1992, Patriot is now a global business with offices and
distributors in 12 countries around the world. Patriot was recently selected
as the Albion Manufacturer of the Year by the Greater Albion Chamber of
Commerce and as one of “The Michigan Fastest 50” by the Edward Lowe
Foundation.
