Project programme: Advanced Technology

Home   /  MONAMI

MONAMI

Miniaturised VHF/UHF Omnidirectional Antenna for M2M/IoT Applications

Ground Segment
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 31/03/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 7B.047

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

Nanosatellite constellations are becoming an increasingly popular means of deploying IoT services worldwide.  Startup Kinéis, based in Toulouse, France, is now giving some of its IoT devices hybrid terrestrial (868 MHz LORA) and satellite radio (in the 400 MHz band) connectivity. This kind of low-frequency telecommunication uses less power for extended device battery life. But the lower the telecommunication frequency, the larger the antenna. This creates serious challenges for smaller devices.

CEA-Leti, which boasts a strong track record designing and integrating miniature antennas, has worked on this project with Kinéis to shrink the antennas size by a factor of 7.5 to reach 5 x 5 x 3 cm dimensions (that is λ/15 x λ/15 x λ/25 where λ is the wavelength at 400 MHz). Distributed RF loading techniques has been used on the antenna low cost structure. Another strong constraint that has not been dealt with so far is that the antenna has omnidirectional type radiation but with circular polarization.

The breadboard miniature antenna has been measured in the large anechoic chamber of CEA Leti and on the field with Kinéis satellites link.

 

Challenges

Main technical challenge concerns the ultra miniaturization on the 400 MHz antenna while maintaining circular polarization and bandwidth (Impedance, Axial ratio). The antenna performance sensitivity to its close context has also been evaluated. A second band at 868 MHz (Terrestrial IoT) is also supported by the developed antenna.

Plan

The MONAMI project has started from the miniature antenna SotA and market review (early 2021) and ends with the field test of Terr./Sat. IoT  links with the breadboard antenna (2023).

Current Status

Preliminaries studies have allowed to identify most promising antenna technologies and to embrace the trade-off between performance and miniaturization effort. The first breadboard miniaturized circular polarized antenna has been characterized in CEA Leti anechoic chamber and expected performance has been achieved. Final breadboarding of a miniature antenna integrated on a metallic context to emulate container scenario, has been characterized in anechoic chamber and validated during a Kinéis Satellites system-level campaign (Fall 2023). The project is now closed.

 

Companies

CEA Leti
CEA Leti
http://www.leti-cea.com
France
Kinéis
Kinéis
http://www.kineis.com
France
Home   /  VISTAM

VISTAM

V band Inter Satellite link solid sTate power Amplifier Module

Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 25/03/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.381
VISTAM

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The main objective of this activity is to enable inter-satellite communication link at 5000 km distance and with up to 10 Gbps capacity. In order to achieve the required data rate and link length, the main technical objective is to increase both the bandwidth and the transmitted power. In the first case, a greater bandwidth availability allows the use of wider frequency channels. In the second case, the idea is to allow the use of higher-order modulations, increasing the number of bits per symbol. The overall result derived from the combination of these two approaches allows to reach the target requirements. This PA is able to provide 10W of output power measured at P1dB over the whole 59-71 GHz frequency band ensuring enough power and linearity to enable communication link up to 5000 km with enough linearity to work with highly complex modulated signals. In Fig 1 the whole amplifier, in Fig 2 a single PA module. 

Fig 1
Fig 2

Challenges

This project combines three challenging requirements: high output power at high frequency and over wide bandwidth. GaN/SiC processes are able to provide high output power with sufficient gain at V-band, but the required value of P1dB cannot be achieved with a single device. The high power amplifier combines 8 GaN module in a waveguide structure. To minimize the risks involved with this project two different PA have been designed and manufactured using two different GaN processes from Fraunhofer (0.1µm and 0.15µm gate length), moreover transistor model accuracy and device reliability have been evaluated by University of Ferrara.

System Architecture

Fig 1
Fig 2

The required output power of 10 W at V-band cannot be achieved using a single device with current IC technology. 8 modules are combined to reach the specified power: this is a trade off because increasing the number of elements determines an increased loss and complexity of the output network. The modules number is a consequence of the available power from a single device that is about 33 dBm and the estimated loss of the network that is below 1 dB. Different option were available to realize the combination network: the final selected solution relies on a standard WR15 metallic hollow waveguide branching with three binary levels of H-plane tees. The choice of avoiding balancing resistors guarantees the best insertion loss and lower manufacturing complexity. Furthermore, the planar architecture selected leaves a completely flat surface on the back to ease heat dissipation.

The selected technology for PA is a 0.1 µm GaN/SiC from Fraunhofer, fT/ fMAX are 80 GHz and 200 GHz respectively, with output power up to 2W/mm. Monolithic amplifier is based on a Doherty architecture to have higher P1dB and PAE. In Fig 1 the schematic architecture and in Fig. 2 a 3D model of the amplifier.

Plan

The specification of the front-end HPA (High Power Amplifier) are derived from the ones given by ESA for the full Solid State Power Amplifier. The first activity in the plan is design of the Critical Elements as integrated circuits, combiner/splitter, the transition between MS line and waveguide. Test of these elements follows: any deviation from expected results should be analysed to evaluate its impact on overall performances, eventually the part should be re-designed. When critical elements performances are satisfactory, the HPA can be assembled and fully tested. 

Current Status

Project has been completed with the manufacturing and test of a High Power Amplifier realized using integrated circuits on 0.1µm Ga/SiC process. Measurements demonstrates an output power of 10 W at P1dB over the whole frequency band, the small signal gain is 23 dB.

Companies

SIAE Microelettronica Spa
SIAE Microelettronica Spa
http://www.siaemic.com
Italy
Università di Ferrara - Dipartimento di Ingegneria
Università di Ferrara - Dipartimento di Ingegneria
https://de.unife.it/it/ricerca-1/laboratori-di-ricerca/etlab
Italy
Home   /  LFAT

LFAT

Lead-free assembly technologies for telecom satellite equipment

Space Segment - Payload Space Segment - Platform
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 25/03/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.411

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

This project covered technology assessment and development of lead free assembly technologies for the space environment. This includes  solder selection, material properties, conditions for higher temperature  reflow, fatigue characteristics, failure modes and adaptation of  assembly techniques used for space hardware.  

Outputs of these activities are made available for the future evolution of  the ECSS-Q-ST-70-61C standard or for dedicated standard for lead free assembly technologies.  

The objective of the activities are to develop techniques and  technologies enabling reliable lead-free assemblies of RF and digital  circuit boards as needed in satcom payloads. An Engineering Model  representing sub-system elements for future constellations and  geostationary commercial applications were manufactured and tested. 

Targeted Improvements were enabling the use of lead-free commercial  EEE components for space application not established today.
 

Challenges

Regulatory pressures, such as RoHS and REACH, necessitate the  adoption of lead-free materials, yet these materials often present  reliability issues, including higher reflow temperatures that can  compromise PCB integrity and increased risks of tin whisker formation.  The selection process for the key candidates during the literature review  was therefore crucial. The lack of established inspection methods for  lead-free solder joints further complicates the process.  

Additionally, achieving the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL)  was key, but further testing and optimization are necessary to reach  higher TRL Levels. 
 

Plan

The project milestones were structured as following: 

  •  MS 01: Technical baseline Selection Review 

    • Phase 1: Finalised Technical Specification 

    • Phase 2: Selected Technical Baseline 

  • MS 02: Technology Review 

    • Phase 3: Verified Detailed Design 

  • MS 03: EM TRR 

    • Phase 4: Implementation and Verification Plan 

  • MS 04: Final Review 

    • Phase 5: Verified Deliverable Items and Compliance  Statement 

    • Phase 6: Technology Assessment and Development Plan  • MS 05: Final Presentation

  • Plan  • MS 05: Final Presentation

Current Status

The project has been completed successfully by providing the  necessary proof that the selected solder candidate has reached the  targeted TRL 5/6. 

Companies

nanoSPACE AG
nanoSPACE AG
https://www.na h/
Switzerland
Empa
Empa
https://www.em
Switzerland
SpaceLab SA
SpaceLab SA
http://www.spa s/
Switzerland
Home   /  LPASAAD

LPASAAD

Low Profile Active Scanning Antenna Array Demonstrator

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 06/06/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 7C.040
LPASAAD

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

Low profile, completely electronically steerable Ka-band user terminal antennas have a great market potential in the field of the satellite communications.

Developing such a reconfigurable antenna completely electronic with limited thickness, large field of view and limited overall power consumption is difficult and expensive to develop with current conventional technologies.

In the last years several technologies have been showing promising results to improve on this. Using liquid crystal technology as reconfigurable phase shifters is one possible, promising example.

The objective of this activity is to design, manufacture and test an antenna breadboard representative of a low profile, actively scanning transmit-receive satellite user terminal full size antenna based on liquid crystals.

Challenges

The project has several challenges to face mainly due to the complexity of the integration activity and the joint use of conventional and novel technologies such as the liquid crystal-based devices.

Being innovative, the proposed solution comes with a dose of risk, where potential manufacturing issues are expected especially for large liquid crystal-filled cavities.

The use of liquid crystal for Ka-band application is not without cost and the main limitations associated need to be investigated.

Particularly, a) RF insertion losses, b) switching times; c) dielectric anisotropy and viscosity; d) sensitivity and stability versus temperature and humidity; e) cost of materials, are all aspects that require further characterization in addition to the information provided by the supplier of the liquid-crystal mixture.

System Architecture

The architecture of the antenna system being developed is composed of two separated radiating apertures working in the sub-bands 19.7-20.2 GHz (reception) and 29.5-30.0 GHz (transmission) respectively.

In order to achieve the needed 2D main beam scanning capability, a hybrid mechanical-electronic pointing system is required where the elevation scan is performed electronically while the azimuth scan is done mechanically.

Therefore these apertures are suitable for being arranged on a rotating structure integrating a rotary joint.

As each antenna is linearly polarized, a linear-to-circular polarization converter is adopted to achieve the intended circular polarization.

For the design of the radiating apertures, two liquid crystal-based solutions are investigated, respectively a phased antenna array solution with liquid-crystal phase shifters and a metasurface antenna solution composed of liquid crystal-filled unit cells.

Regardless of the selected technology, the RF signal is fed through a reconfigurable feeding and combining network, where the reconfigurability is achieved by the presence of the liquid crystal and its driving and biasing control unit.

Plan

The tasks covered by the project activities, each one corresponding to a working phase, are organised sequentially as follows:

  • Task 1: Identification of promising liquid-crystal materials;
  • Task 2: Identification of promising reconfigurable antenna concepts based on liquid crystals;
  • Task 3: Preliminary design and analysis;
  • Task 4: Critical Breadboarding;
  • Task 5: Detailed Design;
  • Task 6: Demonstrator antenna manufacturing and test;
  • Task 7: Antenna final design update. Lessons learnt and roadmap.

with the following milestone review being scheduled as:

  • Negotiation/kick-off meeting;
  • Concept Selection Review (CSR);
  • Preliminary Design Review (PDR);
  • Test Review Board (TRB);
  • Final Review;
  • Final Presentation.

Current Status

The LPASAAD project has been completed after being developed from feasibility study to demo.

Within the frame of the project, the following main results have been achieved:

  • A manufacturing process that integrates conventional PCB techniques and RF technologies on glass substrates was investigated, tested and implemented.
  • An active phased array antenna optionally equipped with liquid crystal phase shifters have been prototyped, tested and fully integrated into the transmitting antenna subassembly of a technological demonstrator.
  • The possibility to steer the radiation main beam in an arbitrary direction has been experimentally demonstrated by means of a measurement campaign over manufactured prototypes.

The ability of the satellite terminal technological demonstrator developed within the program to establish a round-trip communication link by leveraging the cooperation with a receiving conventional dish antenna have been successfully proven outdoor.

Companies

IDS S.p.A.
IDS S.p.A.
https://www.idscorporation.com/
Italy
Skytech Italia S.r.l.
Skytech Italia S.r.l.
https://www.idscorporation.com/satellite-communication/
Italy
Fondazione LINKS
Fondazione LINKS
https://linksfoundation.com/en/
Italy
Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino
http://www.polito.it/
Italy
Wave-Up s.r.l
Wave-Up s.r.l
http://www.wave-up.it/
Italy
Università degli Studi di Siena, Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics
Università degli Studi di Siena, Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics
https://www.diism.unisi.it/en
Italy
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi (IMM)
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi (IMM)
http://www.imm.cnr.it/
Italy
Home   /  MLDR

MLDR

Machine Learning Technique for Data Rate Reduction

Ground Segment
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE |
ACTIVITY CODE | 7B.079
MLDR

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The goal of the activity is to develop an intelligent AI model that improves useful data rate by enabling less complex and less power consuming coding scheme with respect to current implementations. The developed algorithms can compress data using AI by reducing data replicas that are intrinsically present in the information to be transferred and mitigate possible reception errors by exploiting this intrinsic redundancy.

The applications are tested using a demonstrator testbed, showing the benefit of AI-supported data compression, comparing the obtained results with a state-of-the-art communication standard.

The testbed is composed by a Software Defined Radio (SDR) that simulates the CCSDS 131.2-B data link layer. The SDR takes input from the application layer, which is represented by the AI algorithms.

Such structure allows to test the end-to-end transmission chain, evaluating also the benefit of AI smart data compression models against different channel conditions and different use-cases or data types.

Finally, IngeniArs performs a feasibility study for deploying the AI-compressor into the GPU@SAT hardware accelerator.

GPU@SAT is a technology independent GPU soft-core developed by Ingeniars that can be embedded in space-qualified FPGA and used for space applications, including high-reliability space missions (class 1).

Challenges

The biggest challenges for the MLDR project are:

  • AI-compressors: develop an AI model that is able to compress and decompress data while maintaining the best quality possible is a very challenging task. In fact, such AI models deal with different data types and noise conditions requiring a peculiar training phase that create a well-formed and quantised latent space.
  • End-to-end communication simulator: build an end-to-end communication chain based on CCSDS 131.2B could require more than 1 year. IngeniArs has a long experience with such type of communication systems and already disposes of a complete CCSDS 131.2-B SDR, limiting the risks related to the simulation environment.

System Architecture

System architecture

IngeniArs adopts the CCSDS 131.2-B simulator supported by GPU, which represents a fully functional end-to-end communication system.

Supporting the simulator with the AI-compression algorithm, IngeniArs can easily derive the metrics while computing the error correction rate. The errors are due to channel impairments (AWGN, doppler error, frequency error, timing error, etc.) introduced by the CCSDS 131.2-B simulator.

The two algorithms run on a dedicated computer with GPUs, which can accelerate both the CCSDS 131.2-B data link and VAE model.

Plan

N/A

Current Status

The project has already passed the SRR, and now IngeniArs is working on the preparation of the datasets as well as a preliminary selection of possible models to be adopted as reference for the final implementation. Concurrently, IngeniArs is preliminary developing the testbed. The latter is composed by three different steps:

  1. Encoding phase: executed by one of the AI models developed selected with respect to the type of data involved in the use-case
  2. CCSDS 131.2-B end-to-end simulator
  3. Decoding phase: executed by the decoder of the AI models used for generating the latent space.

To speed up the testing of the AI models, IngeniArs is adopting a CI/CD strategy, which allows to integrate and develop different models in short time.

PDR is forecasted for Q2 2025.

Companies

IngeniARS
IngeniARS
https://www.ingeniars.com
Italy
Home   /  PowerCube

PowerCube

PowerCube: 100W NanoSat Solar Array

Space Segment - Platform
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 27/02/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 4F.141
PowerCube

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The immediate need for high power solar arrays for nano satellites initiated the Power Cube project, which has been carried out under an ESA ARTES contract with Dcubed GmbH as prime contractor (project management, subsystem development, assembly, testing), in close partnership with the companies German Orbital Systems GmbH (market overview, reference mission requirements, testing) and AZUR Space GmbH (solar cell development), as well as the academic partner Technische Hochschule Deggendorf (materials and structures R&D). 

The aim of Power Cube is to develop a scalable deployable solar array for nanosatellites, which can be stored within a volume inferior to that of a CubeSat Unit (1U) and can generate 100W at EOL (End of Life). 
 

Challenges

The main challenge of the project is to fulfil these main requirements:

  1. Minimize the array’s stowed volume through efficient packaging

  2. Demonstrate reliable deployment

  3. Achieve sufficient deployed stiffness

  4. Demonstrate scalability of the concept, to enable its use on larger CubeSat and SmallSat platforms

  5. Provide an economically viable solution

System Architecture

The system architecture consists of an origami-folded solar array, including a dual-matrix carbon fiber substrate, a flexible PCB electrical layer, and 30%-efficient triple-junction solar cells. A spring-loaded extraction mechanism pushes the solar array out of the 1U cube to initiate its deployment without interference from the rails of the CubeSat. The hold-down and release mechanism uses COTS actuators from Dcubed. 

Plan

The project, carried out by a 4-member consortium, included the following phases:

  1. Concept definition: state-of-the-art review and conceptual design, leading to architecture selection

  2. Concept consolidation: design, analysis, and critical breadboarding activities leading to a verified design

  3. Engineering model development: production of a full-scale, functional engineering model of the solar array

  4. EM test campaign: an extensive test campaign to assess the survivability and performance of the solar array under simulated operational environment, including vibration, shock and T-VAC

  5. Design upgrade and verification: implementation of lessons learned from the test campaign and verification with a delta test campaign, focusing on shock testing, deployment in T-VAC and Sun simulator testing.

At the end of the activity, TRL 6 has been achieved. 

Current Status

The PowerCube project was kicked off in March 2021. After an extensive development and breadboarding phase, a full-scale engineering model was developed and underwent a thorough test campaign in 2022. Lessons learned from the test campaign were implemented in the following phase of the project, leading to a delta test campaign that was completed in October 2024. After a final review in December 2024, the project is currently completed and closed.

Companies

Dcubed GmbH
Dcubed GmbH
https://dcubed. space/
Germany
German Orbital Systems GmbH
German Orbital Systems GmbH
https://www.orbital systems.de/
Germany
AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
http://www.azurspace.com/
Germany
Technische Hochschule Deggendorf
Technische Hochschule Deggendorf
https://www.th- deg.de/
Germany
Home   /  KAWA

KAWA

Ka- to W-band Frequency Converter

Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 12/02/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.437
KAWA

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The project objectives are to design, manufacture and test a Ka-to W-band frequency up-converter for use as a payload component in high-capacity feeder link systems. European state-of-art MMIC technologies are used for the development of the functional blocks. Superior performances, ideally at the level of the current lower frequency converters, are sought, in order to guarantee the quality of the signal operating in W-band. 

The following tasks are covered by the project:

a) Development of 6 new typologies of MMICs by using the UMS-PH10 foundry process: 1) 27-30 to 71-76 GHz up-converter mixer, employing a sub-harmonic topology; 2) same up-converter mixer also including a by-two frequency multiplier in the LO RF line, in order to enter the LO port at around 10 GHz; 3) Standalone by-two frequency multiplier; 4) 71-76 GHz Voltage Variable Attenuator (VVA); 5) 71-76 GHz Low Level Amplifier (LLA); 6) 71-76 GHz Medium Level Amplifier (MLA). 

b) Development of the hermetic mechanical module housing the above circuits.

c) Development of the hermetic waveguide-to-microstrip transition in W-band.

d) Development of the output W-band waveguide filter 

f) Assembly and Test of the individual functional blocks 

g) Assembly and test of the whole Up-converter unit

Challenges

The main challenge is the design of the MMICs operating in W-band, as the PDK given by the foundry is poorly guaranteed above 60 GHz. In addition, the design of the waveguide-to-microstrip transition is particularly critical from an electrical and technological standpoint, as the size is very small. Also, the waveguide filter is found challenging for manufacturing tolerances and surface roughness. 

System Architecture

The RF line-up of the Frequency Converter is composed by the following functional blocks:

1) Hermetic coax-to-microstrip transition

2) Up-converter mixer MMIC

3) LLA MMIC

4) Microstrip flatness equalizer

5) VVA MMIC

6) LLA MMIC

7) MLA MMIC

8) Microstrip-to-waveguide hermetic transition

9) Waveguide filter 

A conventional board is included in the module performing temperature compensation of the gain and conditioning the supply voltages.

Plan

  • Baseline specification

  • Critical Element design

    Milestone: PDR

  • Critical Elements MFG & test

    Milestone: CDR

  • RF line-up design

    Milestone: DDR

  • RF line-up MFG & test

    Milestone: TRB MMIC

    Milestone: TRB unit

  • Overall evaluation

    Milestone: FR

Current Status

The tasks accomplished up to now are listed below:

  • Baseline specification                       completed 

  • Critical Element design                     completed

    Milestone: PDR                      passed

  • Critical Elements MFG & test           completed

    Milestone: CDR                     passed

  • RF line-up design                             completed 

    Milestone: DDR                     passed

  • RF line-up MFG & test                     in progress

    Milestone: TRB MMIC

    Milestone: TRB unit

  • Overall evaluation

    Milestone: FR

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
MEC - Microwave Electronics for Communications
MEC - Microwave Electronics for Communications
http://www.mec-mmic.com
Italy
Home   /  Rotationally symmetric lens integrated with a seri...

Rotationally symmetric lens integrated with a series-fed CTS

User terminal hybrid antenna for constellations

User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 03/02/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 7C.058
Rotationally symmetric lens integrated with a series-fed CTS

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The objective of this project is to investigate geodesic lens antennas, and their  ability to provide a cost-effective solution for Satcom mobile ground terminals.  Geodesic lens antennas are associated with good scanning capabilities, and high  efficiency. Beam scanning can be obtained by moving only the feed and multiple  simultaneous beams can be produced by employing multiple feeds. However,  geodesic lenses only provide beam forming in one plane so employing only a  geodesic lens is not sufficient to meet the gain requirements for Satcom. In this  project, we investigate how a geodesic lens can be employed with different  technologies to produce a highly directive beam while maintaining the attractive  properties of the geodesic lens. The goal is to develop an antenna system that  can provide high directivity and wide-angle steerable radiation patterns at a low  cost and with a compact size.

Challenges

Geodesic lens antennas exhibit desirable properties such as high efficiency and good scanning capabilities. However, it’s important to note that these antennas  inherently provide beamforming in a single plane. Consequently, a method to  enhance the directivity of the geodesic lens antenna must be explored. Two  primary challenges are identified in this project: 

  1. Integrate the geodesic lens antenna with a structure designed to increase  the directivity. 

  2. Preserve the attractive properties of the geodesic lens antenna following  integration with the structure.

System Architecture

The antenna developed in this activity provide a mechanically steerable beam that require movement of only a small part of the system when steering. The  antenna system might also be suitable for electronically steering. Further study  is needed to confirm the viability of that idea. The system is composed of three  main parts 

  1. Rotationally symmetric geodesic lens, which provides creates a linear  source. For initial prototyping the lens is designed so it can be  manufactured using CNC milling. For cheaper alternatives mold casting  or metallic additive manufacturing can be considered for mass  production.  

  2. CTS structure that slowly radiates the linear source created by the lens.  This way a linear polarized highly directive beam is produced. 

  3. Polarizer array that transforms the linear polarization of the antenna to  circular polarization.

Plan

The project is divided into four stages: 

  1. Review of product requirements and available state-of-the-art.

  2. Study of different compression techniques and the applicability to the  lens design. Different antenna solutions are proposed and verified in  simulations and by studying state of the art. 

  3. Validation of the selected design. 

  4. Measurement of the manufactured prototype.

Current Status

The project is completed, and the concepts are experimentally verified in a lab  environment.

Companies

Royal Institute of Technology, KTH
Royal Institute of Technology, KTH
https://www.kth.se
Sweden
Satcube
Satcube
http://Satcube.com/
Sweden
Home   /  HANDING-OVER

HANDING-OVER

Handover, Data Routing and Radio Resource Management for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Broadband Constellations

System/ Network/ Protocols
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 30/01/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | AB.XYZ
HANDING-OVER

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The huge growth of the request by the market for performing telecommunication in view new and challenging services is pushing the acceleration in the space technology improvement. The demand for high speed, low latency and globally available broadband connectivity has increased dramatically.

Nowadays, terrestrial networks alone may not be able to provide access to a reliable and ubiquitous connectivity service and to reach remote areas due to irregular or insufficient coverage.

These scenarios necessitate the integration of satellite communication infrastructure to seamlessly complement terrestrial ones with low latency and high throughput data exchange, ensuring global coverage. 

VLEO Satellite Communication (SatCom) constellations can ensure high QoS for distinct users bringing several challenges both at system and technological level. 

Challenges

The key challenge of HANDING-OVER project are as in following:

o design the handover, data routing and Radio Resource Management (RRM) techniques for a broadband satellite constellation in VLEO, to improve European knowledge and competitiveness To implement and test all the above techniques in a software system testbed in order to evaluate if their performances meet the expected ones;

To develop a key “enabling system” (SW testbed) for the design and validation of future communication systems based on VLEO/LEO satellite constellation.
 

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino
http://www.polito.it/
Italy
Home   /  5G Reach

5G Reach

5G Reach

System/ Network/ Protocols
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE |
ACTIVITY CODE | 6-.029
5G Reach

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

The key product objectives are to develop and integrate 4 key product features into Druid’s 5G core supporting NTN:

  • 5G Multi Operator Core Network

  • 5G Public Safety via Cell Broadcast

  • 5G Location Management Function

  • 5G Integrated Access Backhaul

Challenges

The key challenge of the project is the availability of NTN Ran systems to interoperate and validate the product features. This is slowly changing 

System Architecture

The block diagram below shows those elements that are enhanced and those that are created as part of the proposed 5G Reach project. All aspects of the Druid Raemis EPC are 3GPP compliant and as such all specifications can be found on the 3GPP website, https://www.3gpp.org/specifications/specifications

Plan

The project is divided into two key milestones with Milestone 1 delivering Neutral Host and Cell Broadcast and Milestone delivering Integrated Access Backhaul and Location Management Function.

Current Status

All the features are now complete and ready for market. Druid is currently engaged with a number of NTN Operators in the deployment of these features.

Companies

Druid Software
Druid Software
http://www.druidsoftware.com/
Ireland