Tusk IC, a company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Antwerp, is spearheading a promising “spin-in” project called Supernova. By leveraging the company’s strong background in millimeter-wave IC design for automotive and industrial segments, this initiative aims to adapt Tusk IC’s proven Antenna-in-Package (AiP) module technology, originally developed for non-space communication markets, for use in satellite communication (SatCom) terminals.

The Supernova project addresses a critical need in the rapidly expanding SatCom market. Current flat-panel user terminals face significant cost challenges, particularly due to expensive, specialized technology used in active antennas. SpaceX Starlink’s aggressive pricing has created an uneven playing field, making cost reduction and scalability imperative for other terminal manufacturers to remain competitive.

The Supernova project focuses on demonstrating the scalability and performance of Tusk IC’s 4×4 antenna modules when integrated into a larger 16×16 antenna array, essential for SatCom link budgets. The key innovation lies in using “plain vanilla” CMOS technology for their beamformer ICs, offering a disruptive cost advantage compared to competitors relying on expensive specialty technologies. This modular approach also facilitates standard PCB fabrication and assembly, further reducing production costs and enabling high-volume manufacturing.

This technology transfer from non-space to space applications is particularly exciting because it brings a fundamentally more cost-effective and scalable solution to the SatCom industry. By utilizing widely available and mature CMOS manufacturing processes, Tusk IC can help democratize

access to advanced satellite communication technologies. This not only benefits individual terminal manufacturers by enabling them to compete more effectively but also aligns with the strategic need for Europe to foster innovation and reduce reliance on proprietary, limited-supply technologies in critical sectors like space communications.

The project plans to demonstrate the thermal integrity and radiation patterns of the large antenna array, addressing key concerns for SatCom customers. With strong customer interest and a clear roadmap for productization and investment, Supernova holds the potential to significantly disrupt the flat-panel user terminal market, paving the way for more affordable and widely accessible satellite communication services.

Kathleen Philips,Tusk IC’s CEO, commented: “We’re very grateful for ESA’s support. Having been selected for this project gives us the momentum to bring innovative, high-performance satcom solutions to the market.”

As the ESA Tech Broker for Belgium, Verhaert helped Tusk IC craft the application for this promising tech transfer case.
Since 2016 Verhaert Masters in Innovation has been a leading player in the field of technology transfer for the European Space Agency (ESA) and other deep-tech sectors, such as energy fusion technology, facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions across various sectors.