Scalable Multimedia Study – SMM

Objectives

The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and commercial viability of a scalable approach using smaller satellites for providing satellite communication to new markets, services and applications. The main objective for this approach is the distribution of investment risk for satellite operators wishing to employ dedicated broadband satellites.

The study has focussed on reaching the following objectives:

• Minimal investment risk for satellite operator,


• Competitive transmission cost compared to terrestrial solutions,


• Multiple use, also for broadcast/multicast, thus providing fall-back options,


• Scalable network growth able to closely follow market demands.

The scalability of the overall system is reached through the suitable design of a small broadband optimised satellite and via the development of a deployment strategy that enables the system to adapt to the market response.

Challenges

The key issue of the SMM project is the combination of the following elements:

• High data rate per satellite,


• Long lifetime of each satellite and,


• Low mission cost.

These features enable a high internal rate of return, a low initial investment and a short time for financial break-even. In addition to the positive business aspects the system is based on proven technologies that reduces the programmatic risks towards the launch of the first satellite in 2009.

Plan

The study has started with an identification of commercial requirements leading to requirements for payload and network architecture. Based on these results the design of satellite platform, payload, network architecture, and launch concept has been developed. Deployment strategies suited for the scalable approach have been elaborated and finally commercial viability analyses and programmatics for further phases were defined.

Current Status

Completed