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StatusOngoing
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Activity Code3A.208
The QUEST project aimed to develop one of the world's first real-time, LEO-based SATCOM-enabled automated drone delivery capability designed for offshore operations. This innovative solution integrates cutting-edge satellite and drone technologies, presenting a platform that holds the potential for commercial deployment and a transformative impact on offshore industries.
The key objectives of the 18-month project were as follows:
- Identify, Define, and Understand User and Operational Requirements: Identification, definition, and comprehension of user and operational requirements for the LEO SATCOM-enabled offshore drone delivery capability and the associated offshore drone delivery service.
- Develop an Engineering Prototype: Create an engineering prototype that will undergo proving and testing activities in representative onshore environments. Additionally, conduct experimental offshore test flights, ensuring readiness for subsequent product verification and operational validation stages.
- Develop a Forward-Looking Roadmap: Formulate a forward-looking roadmap outlining the case for adoption across offshore industries. This includes assessments of operational feasibility, financial benefits, and impacts. Additionally, we will also explore the broader potential facilitated by the deployment of SATCOM technologies and heavy-lift drone technologies in the offshore sector.
One of the most pressing challenges facing offshore energy delivery is the lack of reliable connectivity. Offshore sites often suffer from limited or non-existent access to high-speed communication networks because of the complexity of deploying traditional infrastructure. The LEO SATCOM terminal aims to address:
- Lack of real-time situational awareness: Without strong connectivity, it's difficult to relay live video, telemetry, and environmental data needed for safe drone flights.
- Need for reliable drone communication: UAVs require constant, low-latency communication for safe operation, which current networks in offshore environments can’t guarantee.
- Offshore location: With deliveries having to occur up to 200km offshore, connectivity is key to enabling safe, long-range deliveries
- Limited access to services: Poor connectivity affects deliveries, maintenance and blue light (emergency pause in production) reaction time.
The ongoing evolution of satellite communications, driven by the deployment of LEO-based SATCOM and advances in telecommunications technologies, is set to revolutionise UAS operations in remote and offshore settings. By leveraging these LEO-enabled Satellite Communications solutions, the QUEST project is strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the offshore renewables sector. The advanced capabilities of LEO satellites, such as real-time data transmission and extensive coverage, provide the necessary infrastructure for deploying UAS operations in remote offshore environments, thereby overcoming the connectivity constraints of traditional satellite and terrestrial systems.
To deliver the on-demand drone delivery solution, powered by LEO SATCOM, the main technical components of the QUEST solution are:
- The UAS basic airframe
- The Integration of a LEO SATCOM terminal.
- The LEO Satellite Communications service
- Offshore Situational Awareness package including location information of both air and sea assets and wider awareness of environmental conditions
- The Remote Operations Centre (ROC)
- Offshore Route Planning, including the asset owner interface
The Centralised Operations Centre in the figure above illustrates the connectivity architecture employed in our Remote Operations Centre (ROCC), from which our operations are conducted. Starlink is designated as a redundant connectivity source, providing a backup option to ensure continuity and reliability in communication should the primary connection fail.
For QUEST, we will be evaluating several potential primary LEO communication solutions, including Iridium Certus and Starlink Mini. We will be conducting a comparative analysis of Iridium Certus, Starlink Mini, OneWeb (the UK sovereign capability), and other technologies to determine the best option that fulfils the project requirements. The goal is to select the most suitable communication technology to ensure the highest level of operational effectiveness and safety for our UAS operations.
The QUEST project was divided into two phases: Definition phase and Technology Phase. Definition addressed the requirement capture report capturing the specific user needs identified for the project. During the Technology phase, our objective was to develop an engineering qualification prototype. This prototype serves the dual purpose of validating and mitigating risks associated with subsequent phases, namely the Product and Demonstration phases. Additionally, we gained insights into the behaviour of the system and its components. This supported the foundation for the LEO-based SATCOM-enabled drone logistics service intended for use in offshore environments.
Documentation in the Definition phase has almost reached completion. Skyport is set to complete the finalised report in the next few days. Moreover, to support operations in the technology phase, Skyports have begun to scope the regulatory requirements for the project as well as engage with contacts at Predannack airfield Cornwall to arrange booking for drone demonstrations.
