Gulf Space Technology Public Company Limited (GST), formerly known as Thaicom, has selected Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for a major upgrade to its ground infrastructure in preparation for the launch of the THAICOM-10 satellite. The announcement was made on November 9, detailing that Kratos will supply the first Q/V/Ka-band gateway antenna systems designed for the upcoming software-defined high throughput satellite (SD-HTS).
The new gateway is part of GST’s strategic shift from being primarily a satellite operator to becoming a broader provider of space technology solutions. In addition to the gateway antenna, Kratos is responsible for delivering a satellite operations center for THAICOM-10, an initiative initially revealed two years ago. The new gateway infrastructure will incorporate Kratos’ Monitoring & Control (M&C) System, building on the capabilities of the operations center.
Airbus is tasked with constructing the THAICOM-10 satellite, which is based on its innovative OneSat product line. This satellite will serve both Eutelsat and GST under a capacity-sharing agreement established in 2023.
With the launch of THAICOM-10, Gulf Space Technology plans to enhance its space and ground capabilities. The satellite’s payload will be able to dynamically adjust its capacity, coverage, and service configuration while in orbit, a feature that the company says necessitates equally agile ground systems to support coordinated operations between the satellite and gateway.
“By delivering a complete turnkey Q/V/Ka-band gateway, Kratos is providing Gulf Space Technology with critical infrastructure that supports both our operational needs and our broader transformation into a space technology company,” said Park Boonyubol, head of Satellite Programs for Gulf Space Technology. “Kratos’ long-standing performance supporting Thaicom satellites such as THAICOM-8, along with their ongoing work on our THAICOM-10 satellite operations center, strengthens our ability to fully maximize the flexibility, throughput, and value of our software-defined satellite.”
