Mission accomplished as Quintillion Networks and ATLAS Space Operations completed the highest-latitude satellite ground station on U.S. soil in Utqiagvik, Alaska. This is a significant step forward in the efforts to close a critical gap in U.S. security capabilities and provide ground station operations and downlink facilities for polar orbiting satellites. The ground station is now live and ready to serve existing and future commercial and government entities.
The new Quintillion-ATLAS ground station is located at 72 degrees latitude in Utqiagvik, Alaska, on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. The 3.5-meter antenna supports S- and X-band transmission and expects to see up to 12 satellite passes daily. Offering both occasional use and ground station as service arrangements, the partnership provides a turnkey solution for satellite operators. The ground station at Utqiagvik will not only serve as a crucial crossroad between space and terrestrial communications; it represents one landing point on Quintillion’s broader network map, which it is developing as the foundation for American economic and security advancement in the Arctic.
Speaking on the importance of the new ground station, ATLAS CEO Sean McDaniel noted, “The most crucial aspect of this new site is its geographic advantage. Being the northernmost ground station in North America creates many new opportunities for satellites in polar orbit, which will now have as many as 12 contacts per day.” McDaniel added, “This is a key development for ATLAS and Quintillion in the Arctic. As a result of the initial installation and demand for its use, there is potential for an expansive teleport that aids in real-world applications through multiple antennas and across multiple bands.”
Leveraging both ATLAS Space Operations’ patented Freedom™ platform and Quintillion’s fiber optic network to enable data transmission between major internet exchanges and cloud access providers, the ground station is expanding the possibilities of satellite operations and closing a gap in national security capabilities.
“Satellite communications are integral to 21st century life. Navigation, weather and climate monitoring, search and rescue missions, national security, personal and commercial communications, and much more are made possible with satellites. Connecting satellite communications to land-based fiber optic transport networks is a force multiplier!” says Mac McHale, Chief Revenue Officer of Quintillion. “We are thrilled to bring these capabilities to US soil and increase our commitment and investment in our home state of Alaska,” Mac continues.
Given that over 60 percent of satellites currently in orbit are U.S. owned, American companies and government entities should not have to go beyond the sanctity of their own borders to download, store, and transport sensitive data. Now, they have a choice.
