Communications on the move have been enabled via satellite for decades now, shaping the very foundations of the world we live in. As flat panel antennas and LEO satellite constellations become a viable reality, the maritime sector faces an interesting time, with huge potential advancements in capabilities.

In 2021, SpaceX overhauled their launch system, adding massive automated systems designed to streamline the vertical launch process. The Stage Zero launch tower is yet to be used outside of testing but could set a new standard for launch robotics. The system is emblematic of the heavy adoption of robotic systems in the space industry, all designed to bring operational sustainability and lowered costs to the emerging market.

To many consumers across the globe, connectivity is connectivity. Most of us don’t really care how it works, as long as it does. Over the past couple of decades, however, our expectation of what connectivity can do and provide has increased, and we are becoming less tolerant of slow or patchy services. Accordingly, as each new mobile generation is realized, our expectations grow.

Satellite technologies are becoming more affordable and thus more widespread than ever before, delivering essential services everyday to billions of users. Now is the time for operators and service providers to foster closer relationships with telcos in order to bring to fruition the future of communications.

Constructing a factory in space is one of the next big challenges in the aerospace industry, requiring extremely heavy investment and technological feats. The ‘orbital factory’ envisioned by the PERIOD
project will pioneer construction of major components such as antenna reflectors, assembly of spacecraft components and satellite payload replacements, directly in space. This is the precursor to future manufacturing of large structures in orbit.

Spectrum has been a hot topic in recent years, with spectrum rights debated in far flung corners of the world as terrestrial and space segment users’ clash. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake of Internet usage across the globe, prompting calls to change spectrum access to enhance availability.

NewSpace constellations present new challenges for testing satellite communications systems. Innovative measurement solutions are being developed to successfully design, develop and test user terminals, ground stations and satellite payloads.

With the launch of Cobham SATCOM’s SAILOR XTR antenna platform, the company has been enjoying some strong early feedback. Jens Ewerling, VSAT Product Manager, outlines why the product has been making waves and how the pandemic has altered demand in maritime connectivity as it continues to become more heavily digitised.

Comms on the move technologies answer the common and crucial demand of keeping operators in contact in remote environments and on-route to objectives. While a long-time requirement in military strategy, these heavy duty communication links are being increasingly required in the commercial world in step with the digitization of industry 4.0. As airlines, transportation and shipping routes, besides countless government requirements seek always-online connectivity, the private sector stands to also adopt the much-needed cybersecurity of defence development.

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have changed the world undoubtedly for the better, with industries including mining, energy, oil and gas, agriculture all benefiting hugely from the ubiquitous, remote connectivity opportunities available today. For livestock owners, IoT has enabled a massive leap forward in capabilities, achieving unparalleled operational improvements.

Satellite has long played a key role in the distribution of broadcast content to millions of viewers thanks to the wide coverage beams provided in GEO. With the advent of LEO and MEO constellations, and the trend towards non-linear TV, viewing habits have changed; however, content demand can still be met via satellite.

With the advent of high throughput satellites (HTS), the availability, quality and speed of satellite-supported Internet connectivity has boomed like never before. However, with increasing numbers of satellite operators turning their hand to service provision, quality is sometimes questionable, and challenges are growing.