NATO Satcom Site Kesterheide

The NATO Satcom Site in Leerbeek, located on the Kesterheide, is one of the largest NATO communications centers in Europe. The base has undergone an upgrade over the past four years, with the well-known white sphere receiving three extra spheres and itself also undergoing an upgrade. This upgrade was necessary to turn the new NATO base into one of the largest communications centers in Europe. The total cost of this upgrade was 15 million euros. In Europe there are only four places where such a base is still located: in Italy, Turkey and Greece. The base in Leerbeek and the one in Verona (Italy) are the largest, with four spheres each. The white spheres are actually inflatable Kevlar balloons that protect the satellites.

Over the past four years, a lot of work has been done on the NATO communications base at Kesterheide. The well-known white ball has gained three new friends and has also undergone an upgrade itself.
The upgrade was necessary to turn the new NATO base into one of the largest communications centers in Europe. The associated price tag of €15 million is therefore not exceptional. There are only four places in Europe where such a base still stands. In Italy, Turkey and Greece. That of Kester, together with that of Verona (Italy), is one of the largest bases with four spheres each. There is only one sphere in Turkey and Greece.
“Initially there were 21 SGT spheres all over Europe,” says commander Eddy Van Bockstal. “SGT stands for Satellite Ground Terminal. They serve to maintain communication with America, but thanks to new technologies, such as the GSM, it is now possible to make telephone calls to America. That is why many stations are closed. The site in Kester has been completely rebuilt and has technologies that keep up with the times. ”
The white spheres are actually inflatable balloons made of Kevlar and are intended to protect the satellites. Kevlar consists of arimides, fibers, which form a group of polymers. This makes the bulbs heat-resistant and ensures that they have great tensile strength. Kevlar is also used for bulletproof vests, among other things. The spheres are also protected by Belgian soldiers who guard the site together with the private security company Securitas.

Source: Tim Vernaillen - Press info

NATO will use the new Satcom base on Kesterweg in Kesterheide shortly. Kester then becomes the hub of satellite communications between NATO member states.