ThinKom Secures SES Open Orbits Type Approval for ThinAir Ka2517 Antenna

Full technical authorization of multi-orbit, multi-constellation operation certified following in-flight proof of capabilities

(HAMBURG, Germany and HAWTHORNE, Calif. - 15 April 2026) - ThinKom Solutions, Inc. (ThinKom) and SES announce the approval of the ThinAir® Ka2517 terminal on the SES Open Orbits network satellite fleet. The Type Certification comes following rigorous on-ground and in-flight testing.

The certified terminal is part of an integration package from RAVE Aerospace. It includes a RAVE Aerospace ModMan with dual modem capabilities, supporting the Taurus HB and Jupiter 3 waveforms. This enables communications services on SES’s geostationary satellites as well as the O3b Classic and next-gen mPOWER NGSO constellations.

“Airlines recognize multi-constellation, multi-orbit communications as the future for inflight connectivity,” explains Jeff Sare, ThinKom’s chief commercia officer. “Our ThinAir Ka2517 delivers that superior connectivity experience and, with this certification for operations on the SES Open Orbits network, brings increased satellite service options online.”

The certified configuration is used for deployments under the Airbus HBCplus program, ensuring that airlines have access to multi-orbit connectivity on aircraft delivered direct from the factory. More than 150 aircraft are deployed or committed to the RAVE/ThinKom solution through the HBCplus program. A similar configuration is also active on retrofit installations, increasing the install base by hundreds of aircraft.

“RAVE Aerospace was proud to lead the integration efforts for the achievement of the SES Type Approval and we look forward to bringing this solution to our airline customers through our partnership with both Thinkom, SES and the rest of the HBCplus team,” added John Sickler, RAVE Aerospace’s vice president, connectivity.

ThinKom’s terminal architecture operates independent transmit and receive beams, allowing the simultaneous use of both GEO and MEO satellites. This hybrid configuration optimizes satellite resource capacity and reduces round-trip latency. The terminals also deliver unparalleled spectral efficiency and reliability, utilizing the patented VICTS phased-array technology, proven over more than 65 million operating hours on thousands of installed aircraft.

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