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March 24, 2026

Kymeta Unveils Kestrel u5: First-of-Its-Kind Satellite Terminal Delivering Unmatched Compact Performance

  • New SATCOM terminal expands capabilities for high-speed industrial mobility operations
  • Offers best-in-class durability in small form factor, ruggedized casing, rapid water shedding, and high IP rating 

 

Redmond, WA – March 24, 2026 – Kymeta Corporation, the world-leading flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, today announces its new Kestrel™ u5 – bringing an entirely new SATCOM capability to the high-speed industrial mobility market. With its lightweight, slim-profile, rugged design, this Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite terminal has been engineered to suit environments where weather exposure, vibration and constant movement often challenge reliable connectivity.

The Kestrel u5 delivers full-duplex connectivity from Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network with its low latency and broadband speeds, all within a rail-certified terminal featuring a high IP rating (IP69K and IP68) for durability and reliability. The ability to switch between LEO and GEO is supported by the Kestrel u5 terminal and is an optional add-on capability for customers.  

Purpose-built for rail and other heavy-duty applications such as construction, mining and agricultural equipment, the new terminal features a flexible, no-moving-parts architecture that mounts easily to the top of rail carriages and other working vehicles. Its passive cooling system and a durability-first design incorporate shock absorption, alongside its patent-pending radome design which maximizes water-shedding on-the-pause or in motion. This allows for consistent high performance and assured connectivity in the harshest operating environments. In addition, the ability to upgrade the hardware to future satellite modems makes this design forward compatible.

Despite its compact and lightweight design (less than 11kg), the full-duplex terminal maintains connectivity at speed by switching beams in under one millisecond. Power consumption is optimized for mobile platforms, averaging under 100W. Combined with its slimline, easy-to-integrate form factor, the terminal is designed to maximize uptime while simplifying installation.

“For decades, reliable connectivity for high-speed mobility has been constrained by the limits of terrestrial infrastructure,” said Lilac Muller, SVP of Global Commercial Business at Kymeta. “As industries like rail, mining and construction become increasingly data-driven, the ability to maintain resilient, always-on communications has become a critical requirement for safety, operational efficiency and passenger experience.  

“What we’re seeing now is a shift, where innovation in terminal receivers, with Low Earth Orbit networks, are enabling connectivity on-the-move like never before. With Kymeta’s Kestrel u5, we’ve designed a terminal that can specifically withstand the physical demands of industrial environments that unlocks the full potential of resilient, always-on connectivity.”

Broadband connectivity on rail has traditionally been unreliable and inconsistent, but now daily commuters can rely on secure passenger Wi-Fi without interruption. Additionally, operators can gain reliable operational communications, CCTV backhaul, and safety systems such as Positive Train Control, anytime, anywhere. Cellular coverage is often inadequate to support these connectivity intensive activities, but through low-latency LEO connection this is now a thing of the past.  

Filipe De Oliveira, Vice President for Commercial at Eutelsat said “The Kestrel u5 is a strong addition to our user terminal roadmap, particularly for the rail market. It enables access to Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO connectivity, delivering the resilient, reliable coverage that operators need across entire routes around the world. This enhances both the passenger experience and operations, making it well suited to the demands of modern rail networks. We look forward to seeing it in production later this year.”  

The Kestrel u5 for rail applications is currently being developed with Eutelsat and being tested by key customers.  

At Satellite x GovMilSpace 2026, in Washington D.C., Kymeta and partner SES, will be offering live demonstrations of the Kestrel u5 and its advanced capabilities. Taking place on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25, on the roof of the Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown Convention Center.  This will be the first live viewing of the Kestrel u5 in action.  

For further information, visit kymetacorp.com.

 

For briefings, interviews or further information please contact:

361 Communications

Emma-Jo Jones | emma-jo.jones@361communications.com 
Tom Clayton | tom.clayton@361communications.com 
Rachel Bowden | rachel.bowden@361communications.com 

About Kymeta:

Kymeta revolutionizes satellite communications through Intelligent Communications Platforms (ICPs). Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Kymeta leverages cutting-edge metamaterial-based science to engineer, manufacture and deliver resilient connectivity and enhanced situational awareness for critical, mobile applications. Backed by U.S. and international patents, our electronically steered flat-panel antennas enable seamless communications on the move. With software-defined solutions, hybrid multi-network capabilities, and edge processing, we integrate satellite and cellular networks, ensuring continuous connectivity in challenging environments. Kymeta solutions serve government, military, maritime, transport, and public safety clients worldwide, providing uninterrupted connectivity and spatial intelligence anywhere, anytime. With over 150 patents, Kymeta is shaping the future of global communications, dedicated to delivering reliable, efficient, and intelligent connectivity solutions for an increasingly mobile and connected world. 

Kymeta is a privately held company based in Redmond, Washington.

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