TeleCommunication Systems antennas will track flock of Earth imaging satellites

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, announced Wednesday that it has entered into a contract with Planet Labs to supply a global network of X/Y Tracking Antenna Systems. These precision systems are designed specifically for low-Earth orbit and medium-Earth orbit satellites used for Earth observation, remote sensing, as well as telemetry, tracking and control applications. Planet Labs is utilizing TCS' antenna systems to track "Flock-1", the world's largest, single constellation of Earth-imaging satellites.

Planet Labs Director of Engineering Strategy Kevin Meissner said: "Operating a large fleet of small spacecraft creates unique ground station requirements. We needed a high-speed, high-performance system at a competitive price, and TCS was able to put together a winning solution for us in a very short time period."

"Planet Labs is leading the transformation of Earth imaging systems for high-value monitoring applications, such as global environmental protection, distributed commercial assets or humanitarian relief," said TCS Government Solutions Group President Michael Bristol.

Planet Labs Inc. is a space-information company based in San Francisco, Calif. The company operates Earth imaging satellites to image the entire planet at an unprecedented frequency, collecting data and insight to encourage global action. Planet Labs aims to provide universal access to information about the changing planet to enable both commercial and humanitarian applications.