SES GS, Artel and Leidos provide mission-critical connectivity for Palmer Station, Antarctica

National Science Foundation research station receives satellite and telecommunications data link to ensure continuation of scientific mission

Luxembourg / Herndon, Va. 23 January 2020 – SES Government Solutions (SES GS) and Artel have teamed with Leidos to deliver vital connectivity solutions to Palmer Station, Antarctica, operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The satellite-based service will serve as the primary backbone for the sharing of leading year-round scientific research from the field to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) data center located over 7,500 miles away in Centennial, Co.

Artel engineered the solution leveraging the C-band coverage provided by the SES-14 satellite, with backhaul from the SES Government Solutions Teleport in Bristow, Va. through terrestrial circuits also engineered by Artel. The rapid data connection ensures the reliable transfer of data for the scientific community, but also provides a glimpse into the far reaches of Antarctica for the public through their station and penguin webcam live streams.

“The Antarctic Treaty provides the framework for scientists from all over the world to peacefully come together and better understand our planet. We're glad to follow suit and collaborate with our industry partners to provide crucial and resilient satellite connectivity to Palmer Station,” said Pete Hoene, President & CEO of SES Government Solutions.

Palmer Station’s location on the Antarctic Peninsula, due south of Argentina, has given the USAP a unique perspective to provide leading research on global issues such as climate change and the effects on wildlife and surrounding ecosystems. The transmission of this data from the isolated environment to the global population has become pertinent to the NSF and USAP mission.

“Artel was involved with the NSF’s Palmer Station Satellite Data Services from the beginning of 2002 to 2008 as a solution provider, installing the current 4.9-m C-band Palmer earth station and engineering the original satellite-based connectivity solution to provide end-to-end communications between the Palmer Station and the USAP data center. We look forward to supporting the Leidos team in continuous delivery of mission-critical satellite-based data connectivity services to Palmer Station,” said Ed Spitler, Head of SATCOM Programs at Artel.

Long-term service provided by the three companies initiated in September 2019 and will continue to support Palmer Station through 2027.

For further information please contact:

Suzanne Ong
External Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
[email protected]

Photo credit: Photo by Ken Keenan, National Science Foundation