Orbital Connect Powers Reliable Satellite Connectivity on 50-Meter Heesen Yacht

​Los Angeles, Calif., December 19, 2024--Orbital Connect has successfully installed a satellite connectivity solution on a 50-meter Heesen yacht, ensuring reliable internet access for passengers and crew while cruising the Middle East waters just in time for the holiday season.

Initiated in the 3rd quarter of  2024, the project addressed a significant challenge: the yacht’s existing equipment could not provide reliable satellite connectivity in the region. For a luxury yacht catering to high-profile guests and professional operational needs, robust and high-performance connectivity was essential. To meet these requirements, Orbital Connect, an authorized partner of Intellian and ST Engineering iDirect designed and implemented a solution featuring two v100NX antennas and an IQ200 modem. 

Orbital Connect successfully installed a satellite connectivity solution for a 5-meter Heesen yacht.

The renowned Intellian v100NX antennas are recognized as benchmarks in the maritime leisure market for their exceptional performance and reliability. When paired with the IQ200 modem, known for its advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and efficient return technology, the solution ensures a seamless connectivity experience. The integrated openAMIP, an IP-based protocol, further enhances communication between the antenna control unit and the satellite network for optimal performance. 

A key feature of this system is its increased redundancy, which enables automatic switchover between antennas in the event of satellite signal obstructions. This configuration is managed by the Antenna Control Unit (ACU), which includes an embedded Dual Antenna Mediator function capable of controlling and managing two VSAT antenna systems simultaneously. It ensures continuous service signal for essential operations and leisure activities such as TV streaming, online gaming, remote meetings, and internet access for guests and crew.
Beyond hardware selection, Orbital Connect’s engineering team worked closely with the yacht’s technical crew and provided consultation on cable routing, and indoor equipment, ensuring seamless integration into the yacht’s infrastructure. Additionally, the team designed a custom mast mount that integrates the antennas while maintaining the vessel’s sleek aesthetic.

 “This solution meets established industry standards, and we’ve completed several projects in the luxury yacht market. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to expand further,” said Bozhidar Kirchev, Director of Sales at Orbital Connect. “We aim to broaden our satellite connectivity services while focusing on product customization and system integration, where we’re seeing increasing demand.”

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