A dynamic company based in Los Angeles, California, Mission Microwave Technologies is making waves in the industry with its revolutionary Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) Block Upconverters (BUCs) to support ground-based, airborne, and space-based applications. Founded in 2014, Mission Microwave in just four years is gaining market share in one of the most competitive segments of the satellite ground equipment market.
Mission Microwave Technologies was founded with the aim of building the the next generation of SSPAs and BUCs. They utilize advanced GaN transistors, unique power combining technology, and novel full-system designs to create the industry’s most efficient, lightweight, and compact high-power SSPA’s.
“Utilizing the latest in semiconductor technology, we have optimized the size, weight, and power (SWaP) for these critical applications while delivering the best possible reliability. We currently offers advanced GaN BUC products at X-Band, Ku-Band, and Ka-Band from 12W to 400W, and sets the ‘new standard’ for performance and reliability,” said Francis Auricchio, President and Co-Founder of Mission Microwave.
One of the keys to Mission Microwave’s relative speed in developing new products and getting them to market is the experience of its management team. Auricchio, who co-founded the company, formerly served as Chief Executive Officer of amplifier provider Wavestream Corporation, where he grew the company to over US$ 70 million in revenue, leading to an acquisition. He was previously a Sr. Scientist at Boeing Satellite Systems (formerly Hughes Space and Communications Company) where he focused on design, development and production of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and low noise amplifiers (LNAs). Auricchio was key in developing MMIC devices for the Spaceway™ satellite program and microwave power FETs for the SSPA product line. He also led an integrated product team developing high-power optical amplifiers for space. Other members of the company management team also have extensive experience in the industry.
Mission Microwave’s Solid State Power Amplifier BUCs at X-Band, Ku-Band, and Ka-Band combine the industry’s highest RF power, lowest prime power consumption, smallest volume, and lightest weight in a compact package. These amplifiers are ideal for SNG, communications on-the-move, on-the-pause, and terrestrial airborne connectivity, or anywhere that size and performance really matter. Light enough to mount directly on an antenna boom yet powerful enough to deliver content through adverse conditions, these are equipped with an advanced control interface for quick setup and ease of use.
Steve Richeson, VP for Sales and Marketing said that the key factors in considering BUCs are size, weight, and power strength. “And it’s really those three things that set our products apart because obviously the design, the shape is attractive. And it’s remarkably small in terms of size and weight. But one of the things that customers look at it more they start to appreciate is also the power efficiency.”
These key qualities of its products has helped Mission Microwave gain market share in various segments of the ground equipment market such as the military, aviation and maritime markets in a relatively short time. “Probably the satellite show this year marked our transition from a startup to being accepted as a part of the satellite industry. We passed some financial milestones. The company is solid financially and we have a good customer base that is continuing to expand,” added Richeson.
“We’re in the fun part of our evolution now. We are going to continue to grow We are very bullish on our current growth trajectory and our increasing market share. Even if the market is slack or down in the next two years, which isn’t, we think our growth will continue,” said Richeson.
For more information on Mission Microwave go to: www.missionmicrowave.com
