Project programme: Support to Telecom Strategy

Home   /  Identification of Technology Spin-In Opportunities

Identification of Technology Spin-In Opportunities

- Identification of Technology Spin-In Opportunities

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE |
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.109

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Objectives

The focus of this study is to identify non satcom candidate technologies that have the potential to be modified and migrated into the satcom market. 

The main objectives are to:

  • Identify and define new technologies, techniques, working practices, and solutions that can be transferred into the satcom industry

  • Characterise and quantify such opportunities in terms of commercial viability, potential benefits, and value to relevant satcom market sectors

  • Define relevant use cases, applications and new business opportunities that could be enabled by successfully spinning-in the identified technologies

  • Detail an economic model with ROM estimates of the recurring and non-recurring costs of developments necessary to effectively integrate the identified technologies into the satcom sector

  • Establish a preliminary roadmap to address most of the expected technical and non-technical issues and define the key developments necessary to fully integrate the proposed technology. Highlight timelines, critical developments, enabling technologies, regulatory and standardisation issues that may impact on the successful migration and integration

  • Define follow-on ARTES projects for investigation and possible demonstration through Partnership Projects

Identification of technology Spin-In objectives
<em>Credit: shutterstock</em>

Challenges

A key challenge of this project is to identify, from a large pool of interesting technologies, the one that has the most value for the satcom industry and to find a balance between the novelty of the identified technology and its feasibility in the foreseeable future.

System Architecture

During the Exploration Phase a diverse pool of potential use cases is developed through a series of systematic surveys and brainstorming sessions. These use cases then undergo further refinement in the Consolidation Phase. Prioritization/down selection of use cases is done in conjunction with ESA.

Identification of Technology Spin-In Opportunities system architecture

Plan

The project is structured in three phases: Exploration Phase, Consolidation Phase and Spin-In Strategy. The following milestones apply to the project: Kick-Off Meeting, Exploration Phase Review, Consolidation Phase Review and Final Review.

Current Status

Project work is currently in progress.

Companies

Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE
Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE
https://www.aviation-space.fraunhofer.de/en.html
Germany
Home   /  Preparation of WRC-23

Preparation of WRC-23

Supporting Spectrum Strategies for Satellite Communications

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 15/08/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1D.021

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Objectives

The key objectives of this project are to:

  • Help develop and advocate positions favourable to the satellite sector, and specifically to ARTES industry, for future agenda items of WRC-23 and the topics which are discussed within CEPT.
  • Actively defend current spectrum allocations for satellite communications whilst seeking and investigating mutually beneficially sharing solutions for spectrum.
  • Keep detailed track of the on-going discussion in the relevant regulatory fora such as ITU Working Parties and ECC/CEPT Working Groups.
  • Prepare contributions to relevant meetings and for a accompanied by their technical justifications.
  • Actively seek and discuss with stakeholders and propose contributions to support new allocations.
  • Attempt to consolidate regulatory positions from large stakeholders within ARTES industry, including European satellite operators and be coordinated with the ESA Frequency Management Office.
  • Continuously produce an overview of the developments related to certain WRC- agenda items and CEPT Working Issues.
  • Increase the awareness regarding the spectrum issues which are at stake for ARTES stakeholders, including National Delegates.

Challenges

There were few challenges encountered in the study. However, maintaining a complete and fully up to date status across all of the wide ranging and growing list of satellite related issues for all administrations was challenging. This was mitigated by selecting the highest priority topics that would impact ARTES related issues.

System Architecture

— Not applicable —

Plan

The Work Packages were reviewed at the project kick off meeting held on 19 May 2022.

Work Package 1

WP1 comprises the preparation phase, in which various agenda items and work items were identified and critically assessed. This inception report forms part of WP1, which also includes the preparation report.

Work Package 2

WP2 comprises the activities required to manage the smaller sub-activities included in Work Package 3, and also the overall management of the project.

Work Package 3

WP3 comprises the sub-activities.

Work Package 4

WP4 comprises the efforts in monitoring and contributing to the various CEPT and ITU meetings.

Current Status

All of the deliverables outlined in the scope have been completed to the satisfaction of ESA.

The final report has been delivered and the sub-activity reports have been uploaded to the website.

Companies

LS telcom AG
LS telcom AG
https://www.lstelcom.com/en/home/
Germany
Home   /  ARTES Future Preparation 1A.127 Disruptive satcom ...

ARTES Future Preparation 1A.127 Disruptive satcom Systems Design with Digital Generative Design

ARTES Future Preparation 1A.127 Disruptive satcom Systems Design with Digital Generative Design

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 24/07/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.127

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Objectives

The primary goal of this project is to enhance our collective 
understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with employing generative AI in satellite communication (SatCom) design. It seeks to pinpoint the most advanced tools and methods presently utilised in generative AI across various industries, determining their relevance to the SatCom sector and the necessary modifications to tailor these tools for SatCom applications.

The task also includes the delivery of three proof-of-concept generative design tools.

Ultimately, the project outlines a detailed plan for integrating these tools into SatCom design, complete with projected timelines and development expenses.

Challenges

The primary challenge of this project lies in the untested nature and complexity of generative AI techniques within the SatCom domain. These AI technologies, while promising, present a steep learning curve and uncertainty regarding their direct applicability and effectiveness in SatCom design. 

It is essential to ensure that the AI-generated solutions are not only innovative but also practical, manufacturable, and compliant with industry standards. Additionally, the success of generative AI heavily relies on the availability and quality of data.

System Architecture

Using state-of-the-art AI techniques, such as diffusion models and transformers, we aim to embed generative AI within the design processes. We use cloud computing and GPUs to process and analyse vast amounts of data efficiently.

The project covers the delivery of software proof-of-concepts of the following key components:

  • A generative model capable of delivering 3D designs for SatCom parts.

  • Large Language Models (LLMs) as design support, offering an innovative way to interact with design software. 

  • A diffusion-based satellite image generator.

To ensure these tools are accessible and user-friendly, a user interface is provided that allows people to experiment with and explore the capabilities of our software.

Plan

This project spans 9 months, starting from the 1st of July 2024.

The project tasks include:

  • Survey and Assessment of Current Generative AI Techniques

  • Identification of Potential SatCom Applications for Generative Design

  • Development of Generative AI Models

  • Hardware Assessment

  • Programmatic Legal and Development Gaps

Milestone 1 is achieved upon completing tasks 1 and 2, followed by Milestone 2 with the completion of task 3. The final milestone is reached at the project’s conclusion.

Additionally, a workshop with industry experts takes place at the end of Task 2.

Current Status

The project, started on 1st July 2024, is progressing well. Currently, a literature review on the state-of-the-art (SOTA) in generative design is underway, laying the foundational understanding necessary for the project’s success. The next phase involves a comprehensive review of SOTA tools in satellite communication (SatCom) design, set to begin shortly. This sequential approach ensures a thorough exploration of existing knowledge and technologies, moving the project from its initial feasibility study towards a more developed and demonstrative phase.

Companies

Applied Data Science Partners Ltd.
Applied Data Science Partners Ltd.
http://adsp.ai
United Kingdom
Reflex Aerospace
Reflex Aerospace
https://www.reflexaerospace.com/
Germany
Anywaves
Anywaves
https://anywaves.com/
France
University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
https://www.gla.ac.uk/
United Kingdom
Home   /  Towards Standardised RF Inter-Satellite Link Solut...

Towards Standardised RF Inter-Satellite Link Solutions

Towards Standardised RF Inter-Satellite Link Solutions

Competitiveness & Growth Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 22/04/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.116

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Objectives

The objectives of the project are as follows:

  1. Explore the definition of a set of consolidated RF ISL system architectures that are applicable for a range of mission scenarios taking into account various system topologies, design principles and qualification requirements.

  2. Define baseline system, sub-system, and equipment specification envelopes based on size, weight, power and minimum performance requirements applicable to the most common mission scenarios.

  3. Explore the limits of establishing commonality in the physical and digital interfaces of the various system elements and seek to promote design reusability throughout the value chain.

  4. Propose a baseline (First Issue) Standardised RF ISL System Framework, clearly identifying its scope, objectives, and contents to enable system designers and equipment manufacturers to specify and design against a common set of system, sub-system, and equipment requirements

  5. Define a governance structure to ensure the Framework is manageable, stays relevant, and delivers its intended objectives, and also includes the means to encourage and facilitate continuous improvement.

  6. Propose an implementation plan for the Framework and recommend follow on activities.

Challenges

The key challenges of the project fundamentally relate to the breadth of use cases for inter-satellite links, ranging from low-cost nanosatellite constellations to high reliability deep space network nodes.

The aim of this project is to develop a framework to allow standardisation of this broad spectrum without severely compromising use cases or performance for any particular application or mission.

System Architecture

The framework uses a generic modular inter-satellite link communications system as the baseline for defining subsystems and elements. This is intended to allow interchangeability between elements of the system (e.g. antennas, amplifiers, baseband).

Plan

The project consists of 2 key phases.

In the first phase existing technologies, frameworks and mission requirements for inter-satellite links are explored and captured. These requirements are then analysed and used to generate a baseline architectural definition for an inter-satellite link product alongside an outline structure and content for the framework itself.

The second phase of the project uses the inputs from the first phase to generate an initial draft of the framework, alongside management constraints with respect to technical review, governance and lifecycle. The framework is shared with industry and updated based on feedback.

Current Status

The project has concluded its research into current and future use of ISL technologies and analysis of other industry leading frameworks.

The analysis concluded that an industry led, ESA backed, framework based upon best of industry knowledge would be a suitable mechanisms to lead towards standardisation of RF ISL Systems. A proposed framework was drafted along with an implementation strategy and after initial industry engagement there is initial interest to drive the framework forward.

Companies

QinetiQ Ltd
QinetiQ Ltd
http://www.QinetiQ.com
United Kingdom
Goonhilly Earth Station
Goonhilly Earth Station
http://www.goonhilly.org
United Kingdom
Redwire Space
Redwire Space
https://redwirespace.com/
Belgium
Mansat
Mansat
https://www.mansat.org/
United Kingdom
Home   /  OSSMISI

OSSMISI

- ESA-community Open-source Satellite Mission and Communications Analysis Simulator Tool

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 24/07/2023
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.120
OSSMISI

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Objectives

The project aims to design and develop an open-source satellite mission and communications analysis simulation tool. This too addresses the industry’s main pain points and attempt to tackle them efficiently. The simulator is designed following the Agile Development methodology, aiming to create a set of core functionalities that turns this tool into a competitive product. When the tool’s initial version is completed, a more extensive Software Development Plan of the Full Version is compiled, focusing on the potential next steps to help turn the Full Version of the Simulator into a usable commercial product. In addition, for the needs of this project and to facilitate a better user support experience, a detailed user guide is compiled, and a series of video tutorials is released to provide users with informative training sessions. Once the tool is ready, the reaching out and dissemination part will be initiated. This includes promoting the tool to different online platforms, creating and running an online community dedicated to the tool, and generating a list of potential users that could become the community’s first members.

Challenges

This project’s key challenges are identifying and defining the industry’s pain points precisely and creating a simulator tool to tackle these efficiently. This means the simulator tool should be user-friendly, robust, diverse, cross-platform and affordable to become highly competitive with existing tools. Striking the right balance between versatility and cost-effectiveness. Another challenge is building a community around the tool, especially in the early development phases.

System Architecture

Beginning from a high-level architecture perspective and for the project’s needs, the re-purposing of existing open-source modules/libraries/code in a novel way takes place. Additional development is taking place where needed. This is the most efficient way forward for the project way as it emphasizes community building, as well as fosters a strong upstream/downstream relation among projects. The architecture of this project envisions a modular hosted microservices system with a web-based user interface that can be hosted and served to the end users.

Plan

Phase 1: User Needs and Planning
1.0Survey of other tools, defining user needs, requirements and features.

2.0 Tool production assessment and validation costs (future hosting, distribution, promotion, and maintenance).
Milestone 1: Verification and acceptance of URR, FAR

Phase 2: Design and Development of the Simulator
3.0 Designing the Simulator Tool.

4.0 Software Development Plan Update.
Milestone 2: Verification and acceptance of SSR

5.0 User Guide and Video Tutorials Preparation.

Phase 2: Next Steps and Outreach
6.0 Community building.

Milestone 3: Verification and acceptance of the outputs and all deliverables (Final Review)

Current Status

At this point, the first phase of the activity has been completed. This includes the survey and assessment of the existing simulator tools. An assessment of the User Needs and requirements as defined by the interviewees. A list of the Software Requirements for a Full version of the Simulator and a preliminary assessment of community creation, building and maintenance. Once Phase 1 is completed successfully, and upon approval by the Agency, the next steps take place, including the actual design and development of the simulation tool.

Companies

Libre Space Foundation
Libre Space Foundation
https://libre.space
Greece
Home   /  Spinnaker

Spinnaker

- Identification of Technology ‘Spin-In’ Opportunities

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 30/09/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A-109
Spinnaker

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Objectives

This project aims to identify established technologies, methodologies and solutions that can be transferred into the Satcom sector from industries outside the space ecosystem. This includes defining the relevant use cases, applications and business opportunities that could be enabled, as well as quantifying commercial viability, potential benefits, and value to relevant satcom market sectors.

In addition, this project details an economic model with ROM estimates of the costs of the development necessary to integrate the technology into the satcom sector. It also establishes a roadmap to address issues and key developments, highlighting timelines, critical developments, enabling technologies, and regulatory and standardisation issues that may impact on the successful migration and integration.

Another key output of this study is to identify follow on opportunities for investigation and development.

Challenges

One of the key challenges in making this project successful is down selecting a single technology to take forward for detailed research and analysis. Due to the nature of our approach, a large volume of concepts, ideas and knowledge are captured in the early stages, thus making selection criteria and weighting of high importance to ensure that the highest potential opportunities are assessed with the aims of the project in mind.

System Architecture

The methodology uses a matrix to assess each proposed technology against a suite of criteria that enables the technologies to be compared and weighted leading to a clear hierarchy of solutions.

Plan

The plan for the completion of this work is comprised in 3 parts: 

  • Market Research, Candidate Spin-In Tech Overview, and Insights (8 Weeks)

  • Identifying Use Cases & Benefits to the Satcom Sector (8 Weeks)

  • Defining the Spin-In Strategy (8 Weeks)

Each of these activities outputs a develop a technical note detailing the research undertaken and key outcomes. These technical notes directly feed into the Executive Summary and Final Report as they are driven by the findings of each task.

Current Status

The project has identified Solid State Batteries as the key focus for this study following the down-selection process. Following on from this, a deep dive into the current potential use cases and developments of Solid State Batteries has been conducted which has informed the spin-in strategy that has been created. Specific technical notes have been created detailing the full findings of the study in addition to ancillary reports which have been designed to convey the key points of the stdy to a variety of audiences. 

Companies

Satellite Applications Catapult
Satellite Applications Catapult
https://sa.catapult.org.uk/
United Kingdom
Home   /  SatWear

SatWear

- Satellite Communication with Wearables

Future Preparation Next generation of systems Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 14/06/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.115
SatWear

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Objectives

The general objective of the activity is to identify and demonstrate promising services in case wearables can communicate directly with communications satellites.

In more detail the objectives are to:

  • Identify services using wearable satcom that could be enabled through the advancement of various technologies, within the next 5 years, while taking into account the market, regulatory, economic, commercial and socially related aspects of such services.

  • Demonstrate several short-term Proof-of-Concepts (PoC’s) that shall stimulate the discussions around wearable satcom and – more in general – shall trigger a notion that satcom could be economically an option for the wearable market.

  • Draw up a roadmap for further developments and measures to be taken.

  • For clarity: Typical transportable, portable, and satcom-on-the-move solutions are not within the scope of this activity.

Challenges

The first challenge is to find wearable technology use cases and scenarios, where…

  • …terrestrial (IoT) communication infrastructure is not available or sufficient

  • … satellite connectivity offers added value 

  • … typical constraints of such satellite connectivity (like SWAP of communication module, message size and rate) match the requirements of the use-cases

Second challenge is to find suitable wearable technologies and satellite-connectivity solutions as PoC´s. These need to be implemented and demonstrated with little effort and within the duration of the project.

System Architecture

— Not applicable —

Plan

The project execution is demonstrated in the figure below.

Milestone ID Meeting Date
KO Kick-Off Meeting 23-Nov-2022
PCR Preliminary Concepts Review 21-Mar-2023
FCR Final Concepts Review 23-Jun-2023
PDR1 PoC Design Review 10-Jul-2023
PDR2 PoC Demonstration Review 03-Aug-2023
FR Final Review 24-Nov-2023
FP Final Presentation at Space2Connect Conference TBD

 

Current Status

Over 65 possible SatWear use cases were envisioned. In a second step and with the help of experts from the wearables and the satcom industries, these use-cases were elaborated, rated and finally, highlights for the PoC demonstrators were selected.

The five selected use cases were implemented in the form of proof-of-concept devices incorporating one of two different satcom technologies, Iridium as representative of an established system and Fraunhofer’s technology TS-UNB/mioty®, representing the LPWAN-based satellite-IoT protocols:

  • SatBikeHelmet: IMU is detecting a fall event and automatically sending an emergency message to dispatchers via mioty®.

  • Search and Rescue: A person in an emergency (e.g. skier or surfer) can send an emergency message with coordinates to a base station via a Qwiic Iridium 9603N module. 

  • Galileo Safari: Helping safari tourists find animals, obfuscate vulnerable species, and optionally track biosignals via a mioty® module.

  • Live Troop: Transmission of positional and heart rate data of soldiers / emergency personnel via mioty® Module.

  • Geofencing: Preserve wildlife and natural sites with wearable device that informs rangers and tourists when the latter trespass into restricted territory. Positional data is sent via a RockBlock 9602 Iridium Module.

We have completed the last phase of the project (Task 7), the dissemination and roadmap for the future development of satcom-enabled wearables. The activity is officially closed.

The marketing video below gives an overview of this activity.

Companies

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/
Germany
Innovations-manufaktur GmbH
Innovations-manufaktur GmbH
https://innovationsmanufaktur.com/
Germany
Home   /  Spectrum strategies for WRC-19

Spectrum strategies for WRC-19

- Supporting spectrum strategies for satellite communications

Future Preparation Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 14/06/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1D.017

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Objectives

Radio spectrum is a finite natural resource, and as such, the most efficient possible use must be made of it for the benefit of all. Despite there being longstanding frequency allocations for satellite services, there is growing pressure on these designations from other commercial and regulatory groups as they lobby for spectrum to support the introduction new services and applications. It is therefore necessary to continuously monitor and lobby the frequency coordination community on behalf of the satellite communications sector to protect existing services and enable new applications to develop. Only by establishing and advocating positions based on a broad industry consensus, demonstrating the widespread benefits of satellite communications, and providing rigorous technical analysis, will the satellite sector be successful in ensuring favourable future access to adequate frequency spectrum. 

The project considered the various agenda items (AI) for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2019 and identified those which had the largest potential impact on ARTES activities.  Each identified AI was monitored, and supporting studies were prepared to assist with the determination of the likely impact (whether negative or positive). The project developed an approach that supported the satellite perspective for all identified agenda items and work items.

Following completion of WRC-19 the project continued to provide expert analysis and support to ESA to assess any changes which resulted from the decisions taken.  In addition, following a similar assessment of the proposed AI for WRC-23, work was conducted to determine how these may affect ARTES activities and whether, and to what extent, there was a need for industry support by ESA. 

To deliver these results, the project established an agile framework in which small technical and non-technical tasks could be quickly initiated and executed to support regulatory issues.
 

Challenges

Some industries have large budgets relating to their activities at WRC and making the satellite voice heard can be difficult. The project kept detailed track of the on-going discussions in the relevant regulatory fora including ITU Working Parties and ECC/CEPT Working Groups. In case immediate threats were noted, contributions to relevant meetings and fora were prepared and accompanied by their technical justifications.

Due to travel restrictions, preparatory discussions for WRC-2023 have been less productive.

Current Status

The project is now complete.

Companies

LS Telcom
LS Telcom
https://www.lstelcom.com/
United Kingdom
Home   /  MTAILS CCN

MTAILS CCN

- Mitigation Techniques for Addressing the Impact of Latency on Services over Satellite Networks - Assessment of QUIC over Satellite Links

Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 14/01/2022
ACTIVITY CODE | 1B.118

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Objectives

QUIC is a new encrypted-by-default Internet transport protocol that accelerates HTTP traffic and which has the intention to eventually replace TCP. Originally proposed by Google, the IETF is now actively pursuing work to define and standardize a series of RFCs for the first IETF QUIC transport protocol.

Since QUIC transport fully encrypts all transport protocol headers and authenticates the endpoints of a connection, currently widely deployed Performance Enhancement Proxies (PEP) can no longer be used to improve TCP performance.

The real interactions of QUIC using a satellite service have not been fully explored yet. The project objectives are to identify the root causes of any shortfalls in performance of specific QUIC mechanisms, propose changes to the specification, and evaluate the new proposals using a real-time emulation test bed used already for the MTAILS project. The results of this work are contributed as code patches, presentations and direct contributions to the IETF, primarily targeting the QUIC Working Group.

Initially, focus is on QUICv1, where there is still an opportunity to influence standardisation work. After its standardisation, work shall focus on satellite-specific enhancement to be included in QUICv2.

Challenges

Influencing the QUIC standardization process requires a good knowledge of the IETF structure and the standardization processes. Additionally, experience has shown that it is convenient to attend regular IETF standards meetings, as this advances the impact with industry and provides opportunities to receive feedback on research. This is especially important considering that the satellite industry represents only a minor stakeholder within the much larger Internet community participating in the QUIC standardization process, represented by Google, Apple, Microsoft and the like.

System Architecture

In order to evaluate QUIC performance and assess improvements in a realistic environment, the project extension re-uses the test bed developed in the MTAILS project.

This test bed features two emulators: a satellite emulator (based on AINE tool, implementing bandwidth on demand (BoD) assignment protocols and applying satellite delays) and an optional 5G backhaul emulator. Connected to the emulators, we have commercial Performance Enhancement Proxies appliances (performing TCP acceleration and GTP tunnelling when needed), as used in most satellite systems, and, finally, the application clients and servers in real and locally controlled scenarios. These clients / server run the existing QUIC implementations.

Plan

The project is expected to last 19 months and is structured around two parallel tasks.

A first task identifies, defines and evaluates appropriate mechanisms to improve the performance of QUIC when used with paths that include a satellite link. As part of this task, a test campaign is carried out, focusing on specific use cases to foster adoption and stakeholder involvement.

The second task focuses on supporting the standardization of the identified QUIC mechanisms through the IETF, by participating in IETF Hackathons and QUIC WG meetings. It also supports dissemination activities.

Milestones of the project are closely linked to IETF plenary meetings and review project contribution to these meetings.

Current Status

COMPLETED

The project has successfully held its Final Review meeting and has now finalized.

It has actively contributed to the development of QUIC specifications done by the IETF with analysis of new mechanisms and detailed review of the draft specifications, providing feedback on performance issues relating to satellite networks and on implementation experience. It has identified a set of promising extensions that target performance improvements for a path including a satellite system, as a lower ACK ratio or a faster startup mechanism, which would address congestion control limitations that QUIC faces as an end-to-end encrypted transport. It has also addressed other aspects as QUIC flow control, timer management and ways to exchange transport parameters, apart from evaluating the interest for satellite of future QUIC extensions, as multipath QUIC.

QUIC benchmarking and evaluation experiments have been supported by the satellite emulation test bed, which modelled satellite radio resource management mechanisms and supported existing HTTP3/QUIC implementations.

The project has also promoted stakeholder involvement through the organization of two open online workshop (see links below with presented material) and the publication of papers.

Companies

Indra
Indra
http://www.indracompany.com/en
Spain
University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/
United Kingdom
i2cat
i2cat
http://www.i2cat.net
Spain
Home   /  OpenSatCom

OpenSatCom

- Applying Open Source Development Methodologies to Satcom Systems

Future Preparation Support to Telecom Strategy
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 14/06/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 1A.102
OpenSatCom

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Objectives

OpenSatCom analyses the relevance of open-source development methodology models in the satellite communication industry. Open-source development methodologies have been proven successful and impactful on the wider ICT industry.

In order to assess the applicability of various Open Source models in SATCOM as applied to other industries we have identified seven most common open source development models. Analysis is performed on the applicability if these open source models in SATCOM with extensive details of the inner workings and examples of real-life projects inside SATCOM and other industries and their applicability to different SATCOM domains.

In the context of OpenSatCom, relevant open-source projects and their characteristics are identified and analysed. 

Challenges

Our analysis indicated four possible challenges on the OpenSatCom project:

  1. Inactivity of specific open source projects identified
  2. Incompatibility of open source business or development models for specific parts of the SATCOM industry
  3. Lack of incentive for existing open source projects to engage with the OpenSatCom activity
  4. Lack of expertise to create new open source avenues on identified gaps of the SATCOM stack

System Architecture

Key part of OpenSatCom is the performance of analysis and assessment of the applicability of open source in SATCOM.

Seven key open source development models have been identified and analysed:

  •  Business to Business open-source
  • Controlled Ecosyste
  • Common Upstream
  • Ethically open-source
  • Open Hardware – Design Focus
  • Opportunistic open-source
  • Mass Market open-source

Analysis of applicability of such models in SATCOM domains is performed:

  • Small Satellite manufacturing industry
  • Small Satellite testing and integration industry
  • Ground Segment Vending industry
  • User Segment technologies
  • System Engineering Software Tools
  • Mission Design and Analysis
  • Downstream applications of SATCOM
  • Launch services industry

79 existing open-source projects have been identified as relevant to the SATCOM industry and the following attributes have been identified

  • name
  • description
  • category
  • license
  • specificity
  • type
  • link
  • format
  • type of maintaining entitiy

Drawing conclusions from this analysis several sub-activities on existing and future open-source projects are proposed to fill gaps identified on the open-source SATCOM ecosystem in agreement with stakeholders of the project.

Plan

Assessment of applicability of open source in SATCOM and reach-out to existing teams. Creation of a list of existing open-source projects in SATCOM industry

Elaboration of implementation plan. Refinement and elaboration of a detailed implementation plan while coordinating agreement among stakeholders.

Implementation Plan execution. Compilation of a data package containing all documentation produced, Organization of OSCW 2019. Creation of online OpenSatCom community and performance of proposed sub-activities.

Conclusion and future work. Compilation of a status document for all activities of the previous work package. Compilatio of a roadmap for future relevant work and recommendations.

Current Status

The project is currently underway with MS1 achieved.

Companies

Libre Space Foundation
Libre Space Foundation
https://libre.space
Greece
Inno3
Inno3
https://inno3.fr
France