The high data rate satellite communications equipment consists of a Harris C-Band phased array antenna (right), a Matra Marconi 3-axis antenna positioner, a two hundred watt solid state power amplifier, a frequency upconverter and a BPSK modulator.

The system is unique in that it employs a fixed beam mechanically steered phased array antenna (31 inch diameter) designed by Harris Corporation to minimize size and weight. This allows for minimum pointing error in the highly dynamic environment associated with ocean buoy based platforms. Due to these dynamics, a small aperture (broad beam), light weight antenna maintains the pointing accuracy and the required EIRP in the direction of the satellite. The small size and light weight of the phased array permits the positioning system to respond quickly to buoy dynamics and preserves the communication's link availability. The antenna is the smallest, and the only phased array antenna to be certified by INTELSAT. The antenna positioner was built by Matra Marconi Space Systems, a leading producer of shipboard satellite terminals. The antenna positioner is used to stabilize the INTELSAT antenna, allowing it to point at the INTELSAT satellite with better than 1 degree pointing accuracy even in sea state 6 conditions.