# Inflatable Mobile Satellites The GATR Meter Antenna System Resemble Big Beach Balls By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gatr-meter-antenna-system References: [dvice](http://www.dvice.com/2014-1-21/military-invests-440-million-inflatable-balloon-antennas) & [gatr](http://www.gatr.com/) The GATR Meter Antenna System is essentially an [inflatable satellite dish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/havn) that is easily toted around and set up in times of need. As Dvice puts it, "'From storm zones to war zones' would be a fitting tagline for Alabama company." Of course, the system can be put into place even in times of peace and serenity. Yet the fact that the entire beach ball-like satellite can be deflated and [folded neatly into backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-inreach-messenger-plus) enables it to serve emergency situations. It comes as no surprise that a group of military branches (led by [U.S. Army](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider) Project Manager) have signed onto a 5-year, $440 million contract to obtain the GATR Meter Antenna System. Since it is made out of fabric, the system is more wind-resistant while withstanding puncture. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Inflatable Satellite Dishes:** Inflatable satellite dishes are becoming a disruptive innovation opportunity for emergency response and military operations. - **Fabric-based Communication Equipment:** Fabric-based communication equipment is disrupting the communication industry with its wind-resistant and puncture-resistant capabilities. - **Compact Portable Antennas:** Compact portable antennas with inflatable capabilities are offering an innovative solution to emergency response communication. ### Where This Applies - **Military Equipment:** The military equipment industry is benefiting greatly from inflatable satellite dishes like the GATR Meter Antenna System. - **Emergency Response and Disaster Management:** Inflatable satellite dishes are providing an innovative solution for emergency response and disaster management communication needs. - **Telecommunications:** Fabric-based communication equipment is disrupting the telecommunications industry with its lightweight and portable capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Inflatable Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automated-inflatable-tent.md) - [Satellite Communication Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-inreach-messenger.md) - [Inflatable Stormproof Geodesic Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heimplanet-kirra.md) - [Portable Satellite Internet Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starlink-portability.md) - [Emergency Satellite Smartphone Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorola-defy-satellite-link.md) - [Modular Inflatable Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conqueror-inflatable.md) - [Tactical Satellite Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-inreach-mini-3.md) - [Satellite Communication Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-offgrid.md) - [Omni Directional Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-design-consultancy-consumer-product-design.md)