Projects

Ka-band TX and RX beamforming module for low-cost Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) earth terminals.

The goal is to develop and demonstrate in-orbit a 5G UE (terminal) nanosatellite subsystem that can be integrated into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and capable of connecting to 5G networks here on Earth.

Exploring spin-in opportunities in key industry sectors to define development potentials that can benefit the satellite communications sector.

Development of a high performing Q/V Band Direct Quadrature Demodulator RFIC with an initial study of potential demodulator architectures, to be used in a digital beamforming application for future Q/V feeder links operating in the 47.2-52.4 GHz band with the following design implementation, fabrication and validation.

The program aims to demonstrate direct 5G broadband access from LEO to small aperture terminals by implementing 3GPP Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN) specifications. The mission includes a feasibility study for 5G broadband via SmallSats, and an in-orbit demonstration of a 12U CubeSat to validate high-throughput, bidirectional K/Ka band connectivity over rural and suburban scenarios

Optical feeder links of satellite constellation networks offer very high data rates and do not require frequency coordination, but can be affected by frequent disruptions due to cloud blockages. This project investigates, designs and demonstrates optical feeder link site-diversity mechanisms for satellite constellation networks to achieve the availability required for telecommunications services.

5g NTN g-NodeB (gNB) in the sky: first step to extend global network system in the space.

The IPFS project targets the definition of promising applications and platform reference architecture for next generations of satellites equipped with a suite of cutting-edge autonomous features, also leveraging artificial intelligence techniques. The target application of the IPFS project is to be seen in the context of an E2E Intelligent System that will include space and ground, where the advanced autonomy requirement could be closed more edge or ground, depending on the specific mission or service needs.

Development of critical technologies that are needed for developing jamming detection and mitigation techniques for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) gateways as a counter-measure against security threats. This is done by an enhancement of the already used E-SSA and NB-IoT protocols (being part of the background of the proposers), which will be compared in terms of anti-jamming capabilities.

The objective of the project is to develop a compact magneto-optical trap, which can be used as a prototype for a quantum memory based on cold atomic gas for space applications. In the development, special attention is paid to the miniaturisation of the magneto-optical trap to reduce the size, weight and power consumption of the later quantum memory.