mmWave Radar for Satellites & Space

a satellite

Innovating Satellites & Space with mmWave Radar Technology

Plextek stands out in the radar technology landscape for its emphasis on low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and cost-effective solutions.

With expertise spanning over three decades, our mission is to deliver value through innovation, commitment, and genuine partnership.

Benefit from our deep expertise in mmWave radar technology. Working together we can create a customized solution designed for your individual satellite and space application.

An artistic impression of the CLEAR mission. © ClearSpace

Unmatched experience

With the legacy of the Adler 2 mission, which continues to utilize our robust technology, Plextek has demonstrated a strong track record of reliability and innovation, making us a trusted choice in the space technology sector.

Our 30 years in business provides a deep well of expertise in mmWave technology which underpins our approach to every project. This allows us to bring a depth of understanding and a practical perspective to tackle complex engineering challenges, ensuring our solutions are both innovative and reliable.

We are committed to delivering not just a project, but a solution to fit your unique requirements. Our PLX-T60 platform is designed for flexibility and adaptability to meet diverse operational demands. 

Image credit: © ClearSpace
Engineers customising software to suit the needs of the customer

Customization at its core

By initiating your project with our platform, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re building upon a well-established foundation of advanced, proven technology. This approach ensures a head start towards achieving your objectives, bypassing the initial stages of development.  

It is not just about providing technology—it’s about tailoring it to fit your specific needs. We offer: 

  • Custom solutions: Your solution will be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring optimum performance, efficiency, and integration. 
  • Platform approach: Our existing robust and reliable technology platform enables rapid deployment of your technology.  

Please accept cookies in order to enable video functionality.

Our award winning mmWave radar technology improves the safety and efficiency of operations in Satellites & Space


Proven resilience and continuous improvement

an engineer using some equipment for signal processing and testing

Our journey doesn’t end with the initial deployment.

Plextek is committed to continuous innovation. With every project we undertake, our collective expertise grows – your collaboration with us means you benefit from every advancement we make: 

  • Drawing on extensive experience: We use our broad expertise in mmWave radar, signal processing, sensing and more, developed for different sectors and applications to enhance your solution by applying a variety of knowledge and insights. 
  • Custom developed mature technology: We start with solid foundations, then customize based on your application for a perfect fit solution. 
  • Platform solution: Unlike other providers, we can provide a technology platform which is tailored to your precise needs, for seamless integration and operation. 

Through innovation and rigorous testing, we’ve successfully toughened our electronic systems to withstand the harsh space environment, ensuring robust reliability where it matters most. 


Beyond the project: our promise

an engineer using our 3D printer to print a prototype

At Plextek, our commitment goes beyond delivering your project. Engage with us, and you access more than 30 years of experience, with expertise in aerospace and satellite technology, packed into every solution we deliver. 

  • No compromises on requirements: You won’t have to settle for off-the-shelf solutions that deliver up to 90% of what you need. We aim for 100% satisfaction. 
  • A partnership for growth: By choosing Plextek, you’re not just picking a consultant; you’re selecting a partner dedicated to your long-term success. 

Rise above the risk

For companies looking to innovate in space, engaging with Plextek’s expertise represents a strategic move forward. Let us give your project momentum, eliminating the need to start from scratch.

This collaborative approach extends beyond the closure of a project, ensuring you have the support and expertise needed as new challenges and opportunities arise.

Our expertise is not just a resource; it’s a safety net that guides projects towards successful outcomes.


Case studies and successes

Leveraging the PLX-T60 platform, clients have seen significant outcomes:

A customer approached us with a concept for an expandable radar capable of rendezvous and proximity operations in space. With the PLX-T60, we transformed what would have been an 18-month development into a tangible engineering model in record time – just 6 months.

This success story not only highlights our ability to deliver on time but also underscores our capability to understand and execute complex projects with skill and precision.

Pioneering Advanced In-Orbit Servicing
Innovation driven by common needs

The PLX-T60 platform is designed with space applications’ specific challenges in mind, from addressing spatial clutter to optimizing for rendezvous and docking operations. Our approach balances the trade-offs between range, velocity, and angular resolution to create useful and reliable radar images for space and other demanding environments.

Our development of the PLX-T60, provides a technology platform that brings your project 80% of the way there before you’ve even started.

Accelerating your journey

Why start from scratch when Plextek’s PLX-T60 platform offers a springboard to success?

Your business will save time and resources with our platform. We streamline your development, significantly cutting program times, and effectively accelerating your market entry, giving you the competitive edge.

Engage with Plextek

Partnering with us to take the first step toward a robust and reliable space technology solution: schedule a meeting and speak with our experts about your unique requirements.

Ready to transform your space endeavour?

Explore how the PLX-T60 platform or other services can be tailored to fit your project’s specific needs.

Engage with our team of experts to see how we can collaborate effectively to bring your vision to life. Contact us today and take the first step towards a solution that is as unique as your project’s ambitions.


Related Technical Papers

View All
an image of our technical paper
mmWave Imaging Radar

Camera systems are in widespread use as sensors that provide information about the surrounding environment. But this can struggle with image interpretation in complex scenarios. In contrast, mmWave radar technology offers a more straightforward view of the geometry and motion of objects, making it valuable for applications like autonomous vehicles, where radar aids in mapping surroundings and detecting obstacles. Radar’s ability to provide direct 3D location data and motion detection through Doppler effects is advantageous, though traditionally expensive and bulky. Advances in SiGe device integration are producing more compact and cost-effective radar solutions. Plextek aims to develop mm-wave radar prototypes that balance cost, size, weight, power, and real-time data processing for diverse applications, including autonomous vehicles, human-computer interfaces, transport systems, and building security.

an image of our technical paper
Low Cost Millimeter Wave Radio frequency Sensors

This paper presents a range of novel low-cost millimeter-wave radio-frequency sensors that have been developed using the latest advances in commercially available electronic chip-sets. The recent emergence of low-cost, single chip silicon germanium transceiver modules combined with license exempt usage bands is creating a new area in which sensors can be developed. Three example systems using this technology are discussed, including: gas spectroscopy at stand off distances, non-invasive dielectric material characterization and high performance micro radar.

an image of our technical paper
Frequency-Scanning Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide Meanderline Antenna for Radar Applications at 60GHz

This paper describes the design and characterization of a frequency-scanning meanderline antenna for operation at 60 GHz. The design incorporates SIW techniques and slot radiating elements. The amplitude profile across the antenna aperture has been weighted to reduce sidelobe levels, which makes the design attractive for radar applications. Measured performance agrees with simulations, and the achieved beam profile and sidelobe levels are better than previously documented frequency-scanning designs at V and W bands.