Hughes Announces New ESA Receiver To Connect With OneWeb Network

Hughes Network Systems is stepping in on the rapidly expanding sector of satellite-based communications services. On April 2nd, 2024, the company, a subsidiary of EchoStar, announced in a press release that a brand-new broadband receiver is being introduced on the market.

Hughes flat ESA receiver — *The new Hughes ESA receiver. Credits: Hughes Network Systems, LLC*

Leveraging the OneWeb constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites, this new product will bring easier access to space-based broadband services. While the OneWeb constellation is already being used for government, military, and public services, this new iteration of the technology will finally make it available for broader audiences.

In the press release, both interested parties remarked the importance of this newly introduced ESA, or Electronically Steerable Antenna. Juan Pablo Cofino, regional vice president for Eutelsat Americas felt “delighted”, and both him and Dan Rasmussen, Hughes North America Enterprise Division SVP and general manager are looking forward to the important benefits these new terminals will generate.

A tough antenna for rough conditions

The receiving end of the device is an Electronically Steerable flat panel, capable of adjusting the direction of transmission/receiving, without the need for moving parts. This allows for outdoor use and self-pointing, with mounts to be attached on poles, roofs, and even vehicles. Being water-resistant and capable of operating at very different temperatures, it can nonetheless provide speeds of up to 200 Mbps for download and 32 for upload.

Possible mount options for the Hughes Oneweb receiver, with mast adapters, mounts, and other renders — *Various mount options for the Hughes receiver. Credits: Hughes Network Systems, LLC*

The research effort from Hughes started years ago, with a prototype unveiling in mid-2022, and being tested and offering initial service to select customers between 2022 and 2023. Now, with the expansion of the service to the public sector with the first commercial product (called HL1120W), Hughes and EchoStar, together with OneWeb will offer a low-latency internet connection, which will include an indoor module with gigabit Ethernet and fast WiFi 6.

A crucial Low Earth Orbit satellite service

Hughes is revolutionizing global connectivity with its latest broadband receiver. This advancement is part of Hughes’ broader efforts to deploy LEO satellite services for areas lacking connectivity, demonstrating their role in technological innovation and their commitment to closing the digital divide.

As a leading Eutelsat-OneWeb distributor, Hughes’ extensive experience with ground systems for other LEO constellations like Iridium and Globalstar further strengthens its capability in this field.

Eutelsat OneWeb satellite in LEO, an illustration. Credits: Eutelsat OneWeb. — *Render of Eutelsat OneWeb satellite in LEO. Credits: Eutelsat OneWeb.*

Having developed the main core modules of OneWeb receivers and transmitters, the company delivers comprehensive Low Earth Orbit solutions for various applications, including managed broadband, multi-orbit mobility, and specialized networks. Their Jupiter satellites in GEO also play a crucial role in providing internet service.

With this latest addition, the company now prepares for an even greater role in the area of broadband satellite internet, having to contend with other services in another example of a developing space economy.