Case Studies in Satellite Connectivity from ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems Programme)
Overview
The satellite communications sector is experiencing significant disruption from the exponential growth of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations and a shift towards ever higher and faster data services. This is changing how we use available spectrum and the dynamic of who owns and manages it. This is likely to see the growth of new in-orbit regenerative processing and associated optical technologies, which will support the emergence of new services including Direct-to-Device and quantum communications to complement existing terrestrial networks. The convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks through greater standardisation is going to increase and we expect will present new opportunities in the evolution of new end-to-end infrastructures such as lunar communications, secure quantum communication, and mobility services.
ARTES
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is able to support the development of new capabilities and services through our subscription to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services Programme (ARTES). Through access to world-leading experts, mission opportunities, and technology and business development support, ARTES enables industry to explore innovative concepts and produce cutting-edge satellite communications products and services across the ground, space and network segments.
Programme Benefits
Some of the benefits delivered by programme include bringing new players into the space sector (either from other technology sectors or through inward investment), developing partnerships, improving knowledge and capabilities, raising Technology Readiness Levels, increased visibility and reputation of UK capabilities, and de-risking projects for further investment. It has also delivered outcomes for end-users across fields including transport, disaster relief, agriculture, and healthcare.1
To explore this in a bit more detail, three companies who have been supported successfully through ARTES share their experience:
Archangel Lightworks
Through the ARTES programme, we developed the TERRA-M, a deployable optical ground station enhancing satellite connectivity with high-bandwidth, secure laser communication. This technology circumvents traditional Radio Frequency constraints, like limited spectrum and vulnerability to interference, facilitating robust, licence-free connections. The TERRA-M promises significant advances in connecting underserved regions, supporting applications from national security to disaster response.
ARTES has been instrumental in this journey, providing crucial research support to accelerate our project's development and deployment. ARTES support has advanced our mission to reimagine space connectivity through innovative solutions that address some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. We invite partners to join us in leveraging the TERRA-M for secure, efficient space-to-ground communication.
Spire
With support from ESA’s ARTES Pioneer Programme and the UKSA, Spire has developed Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) technology for its nanosatellites to create high-speed, secure, laser-based communication networks in space. OISL capabilities will enable Spire’s satellites to transfer data between them securely and almost instantaneously, significantly reducing the latency of acquired data.
In addition to reducing the time to downlink data for Spire’s maritime, aviation, weather and GEOINT solutions, the OISL technology will also be available to Spire’s Space Services customers as a fast and secure communications system. The financial and technical support provided by ARTES has been instrumental in accelerating Spire’s development process, allowing the company to innovate and lead the way in building and deploying next-generation satellite technology.
CGI
The ARTES programme has assisted CGI to develop ground-breaking capability for many years by supporting research and development and its onward exploitation into business-focussed solutions for the Space industry.
In AUTSS, CGI’s Autonomous Satellite Solutions programme, we have focussed on exploiting AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to solve problems for next generation satellite communication networks such as Dynamic Predictive Routing (CGI to develop dynamic predictive routing tool for satellite constellations | CGI UK) which improves routing efficiencies across future mega and hybrid networks resulting in better throughput and improved network resilience. In Receiver Chain Optimisation (CGI and Goonhilly Earth Station to exploit AI to improve data transmission rates in lunar and deep space missions | CGI UK) we used novel AI/ML and software defined networking techniques to improve real-time acquisition of Lunar and deep-space communication frames resulting in higher success rates and reduced demand on larger ground antennas.
In Satellites for Digitalisation of Railways (SODOR | ESA Space Solutions) we have developed a hybrid satellite communications and terrestrial 5G network for use on trains including successful demonstrations of how LEO communication networks can seamlessly fill gaps in terrestrial coverage and provide additional capacity to improve safety and provide travellers with better connectivity.
The ECSAT 5G/6G Hub in Harwell (ESA expands at Harwell - Harwell Campus), built by CGI in collaboration with UKSA, ESA and our partners, provides a flexible 5G Mobile Private Network fully integrated with multiple satellite communication bearers. The 5G/6G Hub showcases a range of innovative and cutting edge 5G use cases and serves as an engineering facility for researchers and companies to experiment with hybrid satellite/terrestrial capability using a 5G radio network.
ARTES provides CGI with many benefits including access to funding to assist with research and development business cases, access to industry ecosystems, and guidance and input from ESA and UKSA experts and we expect an ongoing involvement for the future.
As you can see, ARTES has supported a wide range of highly innovative research and development programmes with different partners. Their stories highlight some of the innovation, contribution, and real-world applications for satellite connectivity to date from one programme within UKSA. We intend to keep supporting developments in this area to ensure the UK retains a unique position in the satellite communications and space sectors. If you would like to stay in touch and hear more stories about the innovation we are supporting, or to hear about future opportunities to apply for support, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!
techUK - Breakthroughs in Satellite Connectivity
techUK’s Breakthroughs in Satellite Connectivity campaign is our showcase of the opportunities and benefits created by the latest advances in satellite technology.
During this campaign, techUK will run a regular drumbeat of activity, including videos, reports, and insights, to demonstrate some of the most exciting satellite innovations.
Visit our Campaign Week hub to learn more, or find our latest activity below.
Upcoming digital connectivity events:
North West Telecoms Showcase – Accelerating growth and connectivity across the region
Liverpool John Moores University Exhibition
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Contact the team
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Authors
