Patria Group has developed a new kind of a flexible satellite antenna, which is capable of operating in the Iridium and GPS frequency bands. It allows the Iridium satellites two-way voice and data communication, while GPS provides positional data to the user. Patria's soft antenna can be sewn onto clothing.

The textile antenna is a by-product of the European Space Agency ESA. The representative of ESA, Rolv Medthassel says that the device has many potential applications.

- The textile antenna can be utilized in many different professions, such as on firemen's uniforms and on the clothing of other rescue personnel, says Medthassel on ESA's webpage.

Iridium satellites have an ability for two-way transmission of information and speech while GSP provides geographic information to its user. Iridium can also transmit information on the location of its user to chosen centers.

Patria has tested the antenna thoroughly to prove its functionality. For instance, it has been used for making phone calls between the European Space Research and Technology Centre in the Netherlands and the Electronics Laboratory of Patria Aviation in Tampere, Finland. The biggest challenge of the project has been finding a suitable material. The antenna has to behave like a fabric, but its electric performance has to remain also when bent.

The shape of the antenna has been designed for receiving signals from Iridium and GSP-satellites. Its signal keeps its circular polarization on its entire frequency range also when it's bent. According to ESA this is a very challenging task for soft, wearable antennas.

www.esa.int

www.patria.fi