CesiumAstro’s High-Throughput Skylark SATCOM Terminal to Begin Integration for In-Flight Demonstration
AUSTIN, Texas, November 12, 2025 – CesiumAstro, a leader in advanced space communications, and TCI Aircraft Interiors (TCI), a global provider of aircraft cabin systems and in-flight connectivity solutions, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore a collaborative evaluation of advanced SATCOM technologies for commercial aviation. As part of this initiative, TCI will engage with CesiumAstro on the assessment of its Skylark antenna system—a candidate under active consideration for future aircraft connectivity programs.
The program represents a key step in TCI’s IFC technology roadmap and reflects the company’s commitment to exploring scalable, next-generation connectivity solutions. Within this framework, TCI will participate in Skylark’s integration and performance testing phases, supporting its progression from a flight-qualified product to a flight-demonstrated solution. Initial work will focus on system integration and performance testing, with the in-flight phase to follow upon successful evaluation. This collaboration will inform future IFC system design and help accelerate the adoption of high-throughput, multi-orbit SATCOM technologies in commercial aviation.
“Skylark is built for what’s next, not just what’s now,” said Trey Pappas, Chief Revenue Officer at CesiumAstro. “This integration shows the industry that true active multi-beam airborne connectivity isn’t hypothetical. It’s here, it’s real, and it’s ready for production.”
Built for Multi-Orbit, Multi-Beam Connectivity
Skylark is powered by CesiumAstro’s scalable, modular phased array architecture, enabling simultaneous multi-beam links across LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations. Unlike legacy antennas or hybrid switching systems, Skylark delivers:
- Highest throughput per unit area on the market
- Solid-state design delivers space-grade reliability and uptime with no moving parts
- Seamless interoperability with evolving network topologies and modems
The planned evaluation will begin with hardware and software integration and ground-based testing, followed by an in-flight demonstration pending successful validation. The terminal is designed for high-capacity regional and widebody aircraft, and this program marks the first step in operationalizing Skylark in a commercial aviation environment.
“As service providers race to meet the bandwidth demands of streaming-era passengers, Skylark offers a ready-now path to scalable performance at altitude,” said Ben Murphy, Senior Director of Business Development at CesiumAstro. “We’re already talking to integrators, airlines, and constellation operators who want terminals that can grow with them, not hold them back.”
A Better Terminal, Not Just a Smaller Box
CesiumAstro’s Skylark terminal delivers true concurrent multi-beam operation—without fallback logic or switching modes—enabling simultaneous, high-throughput links across multiple constellations. While others in the SATCOM space focus on shrinking antenna sizes or hybrid switching architectures, Skylark is built for performance without compromise. As part of its IFC roadmap, TCI continues to evaluate next-generation solutions, and Skylark stands out as a strong candidate for high-density aircraft connectivity.
“TCI is proud to be driving the future of in-flight connectivity in strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines. Our ongoing IFC programs for both THY and AJet are progressing in line with our roadmap, positioning us as a key technology partner in delivering next-generation connectivity to passengers. At TCI, we are committed to developing and deploying multi-orbit, hybrid IFC solutions that combine flexibility, reliability, and performance. In parallel, through our collaboration with CesiumAstro, we are advancing our strategic roadmap for IFC hardware development and localization. We have also established the TCI IFC Competence Center and System Integration Laboratory, where a highly skilled engineering team is dedicated to shaping the next evolution of airborne connectivity. Leveraging our cooperation with Türksat, we continue to deliver differentiated, globally competitive LEO/MEO/GEO adaptable solutions—ensuring TCI remains at the forefront of innovation in the IFC ecosystem,” said Hayri Özturan, Director of Inflight Connectivity Programs at TCI Aircraft Interiors.
About CesiumAstro
CesiumAstro, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a leader in advanced connectivity solutions for ground, air, and space. With additional facilities in Colorado, California, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, the company delivers end-to-end solutions encompassing satellites, high-performance communications payloads, and advanced computing systems.
The company’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software serve diverse commercial, government, and defense applications. CesiumAstro maintains complete vertical integration with in-house design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities certified to AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 standards.
To learn more, visit CesiumAstro.com.
Media contact: Aimée R. Ahiers, Media@CesiumAstro.com
About TCI Aircraft Interiors
Based in Istanbul, Türkiye, TCI Aircraft Interiors designs and manufactures commercial aircraft cabin systems, including galleys, seating, and in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFE/IFC) products. An affiliate of Turkish Airlines, TCI combines engineering excellence with strong design and production capabilities, supporting global airlines and OEMs through a diverse range of products including flexible in-flight connectivity (IFC) solutions.
With its expanding portfolio in connectivity and digital cabin technologies, TCI continues to play an active role in shaping the next generation of passenger experience and aircraft integration.