AccelerComm and Radisys secure funding from UK Space Agency for next generation 5G satellites

AccelerComm, a leading provider of flight proven high-performance 5G technology for satellite networks, and Radisys^® Corporation, a global leader of open telecom solutions, have announced that a joint project to support the development of the next generation of Non-Terrestrial Networks has been funded through the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF). This project will tighten the integration of these technologies so that they can be offered as a complete package to satellite manufacturer and operator customers.

The IBF supports ambitious partnerships between UK organizations and international space entities and this joint project will see the integration of the latest versions of AccelerComm's technology into Radisys’ lab in India, providing a valuable resource for joint research and demonstrations to customers and partners around the world. This builds on the long-term relationship between the two companies, which has resulted in market-leading joint innovations that have positioned them two or three years ahead of emerging competitors, who are only now starting to adapt their terrestrial network solutions for space.

AccelerComm is a leading provider of high-performance, error-resilient physical layer solutions for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) that enable seamless communications between Direct-to-Device (D2D) phone handsets and Internet-of-Things (IoT) remote telematics with satellites. AccelerComm’s technology addresses the unique challenges of NTN satellite communications, offering space-proven implementations that meet stringent SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) requirements.

“The International Bilateral Fund has already enabled exciting projects that highlight the power of global collaboration – from exploring lunar water systems and space-based agriculture to advancing nuclear power for deep space missions,” said Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency. “This funding is a fantastic opportunity for UK organizations to build on that success and forge new partnerships that deliver real impact for the UK space sector.”

“The next generation of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) is dependent on 5G base stations operating onboard satellites. Making this happen in the extreme environment of earth’s orbit is only possible through close collaboration by companies from across the value chain,” said David Helfgott, CEO of AccelerComm. “Today’s news builds on our long-standing partnership with Radisys, further unlocking new business opportunities for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) 5G communication. It also strengthens the UK's international partnerships in space technologies.”

“Delivering 5G satellite broadband from a power and performance efficient gNodeB/base station embedded on a regenerative payload requires more than just hardware innovation – it demands highly optimized, resilient, inter-operable software that can address the unique challenges presented by LEO/MEO constellations,” said Munish Chhabra, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Software and Services, Radisys. “Radisys is applying our deep 3GPP knowledge combined with experience of co-engineering multiple regenerative payload solutions and expertise of developing and integrating complex RAN software to make NTN deployments practical and scalable. Together with AccelerComm, and with the support of the UK Space Agency, we are advancing solutions that will enable satellite operators to deliver reliable, high-performance 5G services to users everywhere.