Key highlights
4.5 m X‑over‑Y ground station antenna designed to eliminate keyhole effect for uninterrupted satellite tracking.
Supports LEO, MEO, and GEO missions for versatile multi‑orbit operations. [avcomm.com.au]Configurable for multiple frequency bands including L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and optional V‑Band in Rx‑only or Tx/Rx modes.
Offers linear and circular polarization options with single‑ or multi‑band feed configurations.
Utilizes TLE‑based tracking with Web GUI and SNMPv2 control for automated operation.
Engineered to withstand high winds up to 200 km/h (gusts) for robust environmental performance.
Sovereignly designed and manufactured in Australia to support local space industry capability
Applications
LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite communications, enabling multi‑orbit mission support across diverse constellations.
Telemetry, Tracking & Control (TT&C) for satellite operations requiring reliable, continuous tracking using X‑over‑Y geometry.
Earth observation data downlink, supported by multi‑band receive and transmit capability across L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and optional V‑Band.
Scientific and commercial satellite missions requiring high‑precision TLE‑based tracking.
Ground segment infrastructure for defence, research, and commercial operators seeking a sovereignly manufactured Australian solution.
Key features
Key features
X‑over‑Y mount to eliminate keyhole effect
The Cassowary uses X‑over‑Y geometry instead of traditional El‑over‑Az, removing the keyhole and enabling uninterrupted tracking through zenith to maximise usable pass time.
Multi‑orbit support (LEO, MEO, GEO)
Designed to operate across low‑, medium‑, and geostationary‑Earth orbits, allowing a single system to cover diverse mission profiles from fast‑moving LEO constellations to GEO services.
Wide frequency band configurability
Configurable for single or multi‑band operation with receive‑only or full Tx/Rx options across L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and optional V‑Band, enabling flexibility from TT&C to high‑rate payload downlinks.
Prime‑focus architecture with polarization options
Prime focus configuration supports linear and circular polarisation feeds, available as single‑ or multi‑band assemblies to match link budgets and mission needs.
High‑precision, automated satellite tracking
Uses Two‑Line Element (TLE) ephemeris tracking for precise pass prediction and control, with automated updates to keep the scheduler and antenna aligned to current orbital data.
Modern control interfaces
Web‑based GUI for local/remote operations and SNMPv2 support for integration with NMS and site monitoring systems, simplifying operations and fleet management.
Robust environmental performance
Engineered for survivability in winds up to 200 km/h (gusts), supporting reliable operation in exposed ground station sites and reducing weather‑related downtime.
Sovereign Australian design and manufacture
Developed and produced in Australia, providing local engineering support and supply‑chain assurance for regulated or sovereign capability programs.
Scalable system family
Available as part of the Cassowary range (e.g., 2.4 m 2400S and 4.5 m 4500SX), enabling a common architecture across sites with different aperture and link requirements.
Mission‑driven configuration flexibility
Offered in receive‑only or transmit/receive configurations, with single‑band or multi‑band feeds and selectable polarisation—allowing tailoring for EO downlink, TT&C, or communications relay roles.
Pass time maximisation
The X‑over‑Y geometry ensures 100% pass utilisation (no keyhole loss near zenith), improving contact time per pass for higher total data volume and more reliable command windows.
Operational simplicity
Integrated software tools (TLE ingestion, web GUI) reduce operator workload and enable automated scheduling and tracking for multi‑satellite operations.
Customization
The Cassowary 4.5m 4500SX offers broad customization for RF, tracking, and control needs. It supports single‑ or multi‑band operation across L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and optional V‑Band with Rx‑only or full Tx/Rx capability, enabling flexible TT&C and high‑rate downlink configurations. Its prime‑focus design allows linear or circular polarisation with configurable feed assemblies. The X‑over‑Y mount eliminates keyhole effects for uninterrupted tracking, with high‑precision TLE‑based automation and Web GUI or SNMPv2 control options. As a sovereign Australian‑made system, it can be rapidly tailored across hardware and software to meet mission‑specific requirements
Flight heritage
The Cassowary Multi-Orbit Antenna System has demonstrated operational heritage through its use in support of multiple missions across various orbital planes. Av-Comm systems have been deployed to support early orbit operations (LEOP), routine TT&C, and sustained payload data downlink for commercial and government spacecraft operated by Australian and allied customers.
Cassowary-class ground assets have supported Earth observation missions requiring high-availability pass capture and consistent link performance during time-critical downlinks, as well as constellation operations where rapid scheduling changes and multi-mission flexibility are essential. In these roles, the system has delivered reliable tracking accuracy, stable RF performance, and high operational uptime, contributing directly to successful commissioning and ongoing spacecraft operations.
Manufacturing
The Cassowary Multi-Orbit Antenna System is manufactured using a deliberately engineered, modular approach that prioritises quality, reliability, and long-term maintainability. Structural components are precision-fabricated and finished to withstand harsh environmental conditions, while RF, mechanical, and control subsystems are assembled and integrated under controlled conditions to ensure repeatable performance.
Novel design choices, such as modular sub-assemblies, factory pre-integration, and configuration control at the system level, reduce on-site risk and improve installation quality and consistency. Critical interfaces are standardised and tested prior to deployment, enabling faster commissioning and reducing the likelihood of latent faults. Throughout manufacture, components and assemblies are subject to inspection, verification, and traceability processes aligned with Av-Comm’s ISO-certified quality framework. This approach results in a robust, serviceable system engineered for high availability across multiple orbital regimes and demanding operational environments.
Testing & qualification
Av-Comm adheres to the relevant standards set by ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Work Health & Safety). These strict qualification standards are upheld through disciplined engineering processes, controlled supply chains, rigorous risk management, and consistent verification and validation practices across design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning. Together, they ensure our systems are delivered safely, responsibly, and to a repeatable, auditable level of quality suitable for mission-critical space and defence applications.
Export control
The Cassowary Multi-Orbit Antenna System is not subject to any export controls and is viewed as a commercial product.
Distributors
Av‑Comm Space & Defence has partnered with two established Polish organisations to support the introduction of our Cassowary multi‑orbit X‑over‑Y antenna system.
Tespol Sp. z o.o., with over 30 years of experience, is an authorised representative of leading control‑measurement, radio‑communication, and radiolocation system manufacturers, providing installation, calibration, and technical support - making them a strong, credible partner for distribution.
We also collaborate with Spacecomm (SpaceComm.Cloud), a Ground Station as a Service provider offering high‑precision VHF, UHF, and S‑band capabilities, 24/7 support, and ground station installation services - making them a strong and strategically aligned partner in our international expansion.
Customers
Our key customers include Earth observation operators who need seamless access to LEO, MEO, and GEO assets for time-critical data downlink and mission continuity. Satellite operators and constellation owners use the Cassowary to support TT&C, early orbit operations, and routine fleet management from a single ground asset. Government and defence organisations rely on the Cassowary for resilient ground infrastructure that supports secure communications, space domain awareness, and responsive mission tasking. We also work with research institutions and space agencies requiring adaptable platforms for experimental missions, payload testing, and future-focused space programs. Across all customers, the Cassowary Multi-Orbit Antenna System is chosen for its deliberate engineering, multi-mission versatility, and proven performance in real operational environments.
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Last updated: 2026-05-26
Cassowary 4.5m 4500SX Satellite Ground Station Tracking Antenna System
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