Atheras Analytics SAS launches DESIRISS for transformation of NGSO satellite ground network design

Atheras Analytics SAS has announced the general availability of its DESIRISS Ground Network Dimensioning tool for satellite operators. Originally developed under the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA) project, supporting the goals of IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite), this tool provides a dynamic and scalable approach to designing ground networks for large NGSO constellations, considering both technical constraints and commercial feasibility and resulting in significant savings on capex of between 30 and 45%.

DESIRISS is a simulation tool of non-geostationary (NGSO) constellations operating at Ku-, Ka- and Q/V-band that can be used to evaluate the performance of a complete system or to optimise the antenna distribution over gateways. Utilising AI techniques and historical weather data, DESIRISS predicts rain attenuation that will affect the operating frequency bands whilst using sophisticated propagation models, comprehensive ISL (inter-satellite links), terrestrial network optimisation techniques and multi-objective optimisation algorithms.

The goal of the solution is to optimise the ground segment to handle outages due to weather events. To consider a wide range of NGSO scenarios, the tool includes multi-orbit configurations such as LEO/LEO, MEO/MEO and LEO/MEO constellations. ESA is currently using the tool to review ground network designs proposed by the SpaceRISE consortium for IRIS2.

David Gibbons, CEO of Atheras Analytics SAS commented: “After many months of hard work and dedication to the project with ESA we are thrilled to bring DESIRISS to the satellite market for general availability. This is a unique software tool that has the potential to change the game in terms of ground station design, enabling substantial cost savings for operators and a streamlined design process. We look forward to engaging with the satellite operator community to demonstrate how we can enable them to select the very best location and design for their ground networks and reduce their overall expenditure.”