Learn how IDRS is boosting the efficiency of LEO satellite fleet ops by removing the limitations of restricted connectivity.

Once integrated into a LEO spacecraft, the IDRS terminal brings the capabilities of the Inmarsat BGAN system to space. By leveraging the I-4 GEO constellation and its BGAN ground infrastructure, global coverage and connectivity are achieved. The need to wait for a LEO satellite to pass above a ground station is eliminated – replaced by real-time, always on connectivity.

Increase connection time with your LEO satellites by up to

2375%

Of the orbit

Traditional

~4%

Without the Inter-satellite Data Relay System (IDRS), communication with your satellite is enabled about 4% of the orbit.

With IDRS

99%

With the Inter-satellite Data Relay System (IDRS), communication with your satellite is maintained up to 99% of the orbit

Real-Time LEO Connection

What does a real-time connection mean in terms of the availability and reliability provided by the BGAN communications network?

  • Network availability better than 99.5% (dual gateway redundancy)
  • Link budget availability better than 99% (rate adapted air-interface)
  • IP session continuity during rapid GEO satellite spot beam handovers
  • Latency: 0.5 – 1.5 seconds end to end
  • Capable of supporting data rates in excess of 200 Kbps for LEO satellites in all orbital inclinations and at altitudes of up to 1000 km

The IDRS i100 Transceiver

The IDRS i100 Transceiver is a small and compact full duplex radio transceiver that provides full Internet Protocol connectivity to LEO satellites anywhere under the coverage of Viasat I-4 GEO satellites.

The IDRS terminal can support several types of antenna, providing the system different ways of positioning pointing towards the satellite. Antenna selection is considered during mission planning and satellite bus design.

IDRS Terminal Specifications

THE i100 TRANSCEIVER

Dimensions

125 x 96 x 70mm3

Reliability

Up to 5 years in orbit

Weight

1 Kg

Data rate

Up to 200 kbps

Antenna Options

Directional antenna and Hemispherical Switched antenna options available

Power consumption

RX only, 8 watts


RX & TX: 9-10 watts, typical, dependant upon traffic and antenna configuration

Satellite interfaces

RS-422, ethernet

IP Connectivity

Ethernet interface supports the full range of satellite application protocols: FTP, SSH, Telnet, HTTP, etc

Temperature range

-25 to +55°C, operational


-40 to +80°C, storage

Product

Ground Infrastructure

A critical part of Viasat’s investment in the ground network has been the development of a high-speed, global software-defined network (SDN) and the use of Networks Function Virtualisation (NFV.) SDN manages all parts of the network – Satellite Access Stations, data centers and meet-me points – and automates and synchronizes many tasks. NFV enables many of the routing, management and security functions to be software-driven and hosted within the cloud. In combination, these two technologies allow Viasat to scale and meet existing and future needs of the higher capacity satellite systems and network services.

The wait is over

Connect with your LEO satellite constellation in real-time.

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