SAE-ITC/AEEC Ku/Ka-band (KSAT) Subcommittee Telecon Report, 9 June 2026

KSAT subcommittee launched development of a new Connected Application Server (CAS) standard following recent approval at the general session. The CAS will support modem-outside antenna configurations and provide generic computing capabilities for multiple aircraft applications. Document number candidates 787 or 790 were proposed, with use cases spanning KSAT, EFB, IFE, and standalone applications.

(I thought it would be helpful to share my AI-enhanced notes from this meeting. The CAS is a new project based on the EFn Modman from PP793 - but without modems. The CAS can be used in many different manners supporting new onboard applications with standardized containers and information exchange.)

Decisions Made

• MoCA technology: Dropped from consideration for CAS; coaxial interfaces likely removed from specification
• ModMan relationship: CAS will be distinct from ModMan; ModMan retained in 793 for fiber-based solutions with modems inside
• L-band IF: Not supported in CAS; legacy L-band modem solutions remain in 791/792 standards
• Collaboration with EFB: Joint working group with EFB subcommittee to develop containerized application guidance; software architecture document will be separate from 679
• Form factor: Discussion on 4, 6, or 8 MCU sizes; 4 MCU approximately 6kg (15 lbs), 8 MCU approximately 20kg (44 lbs)

Industry Updates

• Delta Airlines: First 717 aircraft operational with dual-antenna Hughes Fusion system (ThinKom 1717 Ka-band + Hughes HL1520 OneWeb ESA);
• American Airlines: Recently selected Starlink, continuing industry pivot toward LEO providers
• Amazon LEO: FCC granted launch cadence waiver; using compression fitting for antenna interface with 8-wire Ethernet up to 2.5 Gbps
• Starlink: Dual-antenna side-by-side installations now visible; evolved from standalone monuments to support wired connections and cross-terminal load balancing
• Hughes: Announced new Ka and Ku ESA antennas at AIX
• Panasonic: Displayed Intellion LEO-only antenna (OneWeb initial, Thousand Sails compatible) at AIX

Use Cases Defined

Seven use cases identified for CAS specification:

1. Modem outside: Server connects to external antenna with modem via high-bandwidth interface (champion: Brad Smith, Viasat)
2. Fail-op redundancy: Dual independent CAS/antenna systems for operational continuity (champion: Peter Lemme, Totaport)
3. Server + AMU pairing: CAS with separate 2-MCU modem unit for modular configurations (champion: Marc-Andre Gascon, Kontron)
4. EFB/AID adjunct: Processing expansion for Electronic Flight Bag applications (champion: TBD from EFB subcommittee)
5. IFE support: Enhanced computing for in-flight entertainment systems (champion: TBD)
6. Generic cabin infrastructure: Standalone server managing cabin network, WAPs, and aircraft system interfaces independent of KSAT/EFB (champion: TBD)
7. ModMan replacement: Digital baseband solution with fiber optic modem interfaces (deferred; retained in 793)

Technical Architecture Discussions

• Interface requirements: Ethernet and ARINC 429 confirmed as primary interfaces; coaxial ports under debate
• Modem-outside connectivity: Four options evaluated: single-pair Ethernet, 8-wire Ethernet (2.5 Gbps current standard), MoCA, or fiber optics
• Software partitioning: Potential for multiple design assurance levels (DAL) within single CAS, using processor card segregation
• Insert A variants: Two configurations proposed—copper-only (size 8 cavities) for near-term vs. fiber optic (MT ferrules) for forward-fit programs
• AI/edge computing: CAS positioned to support AI applications processing camera feeds, telemetry data, and real-time aircraft information on-board rather than ground-offload

Pending Confirmation

• Document number assignment: Awaiting ARINC assignment of 787 or 790 for CAS standard
• Fiber optic components: FOS subcommittee recommendations expected soon to inform 793 and CAS specifications
• MoCA field testing: Test units from Rex sitting unused; technology evaluation incomplete but likely abandoned
• Antenna interface standardization: No consensus yet on preferred physical media for modem-outside configurations (8-wire Ethernet currently most common)

Open Questions

• Coaxial retention: Should CAS retain coaxial interfaces for retrofit scenarios or eliminate entirely?
• Form factor variability: Fixed 4-MCU vs. variable 4/6/8-MCU specification?
• Serverless architectures: Market pressure for minimal CPE; debate on whether thin portal configurations eliminate server need
• Multi-provider orchestration: Single server vs. dual-server for managing multiple service providers (Fusion-type solutions)
• Aircraft I/O standardization: Which ARINC 429 labels/data should be standardized for CAS installations?

Seamless Air Alliance Activities

• Connected Aircraft Operations survey: Two-form survey launched targeting airline datalink requirements and non-passenger applications; responses requested by end of summer
• Workshop planning: Software developer workshop planned for late 2026 (October-November timeframe) on multi-beam antennas for aero
• Connected Application Summit: Separate event planned to assess non-passenger connected applications

Collaboration Framework

• EFB joint working group: Informal subgroup (not formal working group due to administrative overhead) will develop containerized application guidance applicable to both CAS and AID servers
• Contributors confirmed: Kontron and Astronics committed to participate
• Document scope: Software architecture and abstracted interface control for aircraft data subscription; separate from 679 (AID-specific) and CAS form-factor spec

Next Meeting

Date: July 7, 2025, 11:00-13:00 EDT (17:00-19:00 CEST)

Focus: CAS use case presentations; 793 ModMan updates deferred pending FOS connector recommendations

Stay tuned!

 

 

Peter Lemme

 

peter @ satcom.guru

Copyright 2026 satcom.guru All Rights Reserved

 

Peter Lemme has been a leader in avionics engineering for 45 years. He is the thought leader to the Seamless Air Alliance. He offers independent consulting services largely focused on avionics and L, Ku, and Ka band satellite communications. Peter chaired the SAE-ITC AEEC Ku/Ka-band satcom subcommittee for more than ten years, developing ARINC 791 parts 1, 2, and 3; ARINC 792, Project Paper 793, and continues as a member. He also contributes to the Network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity (NISC) subcommittee.

 

Peter was Boeing avionics supervisor for 767 and 747-400 data link recording, data link reporting, and satellite communications. He was an FAA designated engineering representative (DER) for ACARS, satellite communications, DFDAU, DFDR, ACMS and printers. Peter was lead engineer for Thrust Management System (757, 767, 747-400), also supervisor for satellite communications for 777, and was manager of terminal-area projects (GLS, MLS, enhanced vision).

 

An instrument-rated private pilot, single engine land and sea, Peter has enjoyed perspectives from both operating and designing airplanes. Hundreds of hours of flight test analysis and thousands of hours in simulators have given him an appreciation for the many aspects that drive aviation; whether tandem complexity, policy, human, or technical; and the difficulties and challenges to achieving success.