In the thick of the NewSpace/satcom transformation, there are numerous technical challenges facing the industry. Our trip to Washington D.C. for SATELLITE 2024 in March highlighted many common observations and concerns among operators, vendors, and manufacturers, indicating the need for a cohesive approach to the ongoing rollout and adaptation of services being offered within satellite.
We’re now looking ahead to the forthcoming SIG workshop, which will be hosted by ETL Systems in Hereford, UK, on 26th – 27th June. The workshop agenda is formed around a number of themes which reflect the topics and concerns currently important to members, as well as new technologies demonstrated by members at SATELLITE. Here is an overview of some of the key areas that we’re planning to discuss at the workshop in June.
Digital Intermediate Frequency
Discussions around virtualisation continue to be of importance. When virtualising a network, Intermediate Frequency (IF) signals must be converted from analogue to digital through the introduction of digital IF transport streams. It’s clear that many within the industry wish to stress the importance of interoperability through standardisation in order to prevent vendor lock in. Simon Swift, ETL Systems will provide an update on the current situation and there’ll also be a panel discussion with speakers discussing the technology currently available and the remaining challenges within Digital IF.
Cloud and Virtualisation
We know that the ground segment needs to adapt. This is essential if the industry is to keep up with evolving customer demands but also to enable new applications made possible by innovations in the space sector. This means moving to a cloud-based future and embracing both automation and innovation. But in order to transition to the cloud effectively to benefit from improved scalability, resilience, flexibility and efficiency, we need to first virtualise the ground segment as much as possible. This is a complex task and will only be achievable through industry wide collaboration – which is why groups such as SIG and events like the SIG workshop are so important.
Antennas Approvals
Discussions around the use of next-generation and specifically Flat Panel Antennas (FPA) are ongoing. We held a productive roundtable with GSOA at SATELLITE and all agreed that operators and antenna manufacturers need to urgently work together to develop and agree on a set of new standards that define the required quality and specifications of FPAs. We’re bringing the FPA topic back to the workshop again in order to update all on progress made to date, and to keep the momentum going. As we’ve said before, a coordinated approach is critical in fulfilling quality of service whilst safeguarding the spectrum.
Space Situational Awareness
Conversations around SSA have gained traction in recent years because of the significant increase in the number of satellites in orbit, as well as the growing problem of space debris. Many governments are developing policies and regulation to promote space sustainability, and the industry is also seeing an increase in organisations developing tracking and debris removal capabilities. How can we ensure that all stakeholders in space are prioritising its sustainability? Speakers at the SIG Workshop will consider whether the industry is on the right track.
Radio Frequency Interference
RFI has long been a focus for SIG, and it continues to impact operations every day. There are a wealth of tools to manage, mitigate, and pre-empt RFI, so what is left to do? What RFI challenges are arising from NewSpace? There’ll be a discussion on the current state of interference, and additionally, a SIG member organisation will present a case study showing how a particular interference instance was identified and resolved.
And there’s more…
We’re also looking forward to presentations on a wide range of topics such as: LEO and MEO implications on satcom systems and radio telescopes, 5G, space-based geolocation, ESA’s THRIMOS Project, as well as the ongoing challenge around engaging young people in STEM and recruitment challenges.
These workshops provide an opportunity for technical operators from across the satellite industry to discuss the challenges and technical complexities within satcom. The next SIG European workshop is shaping up to be a great event, and what’s more, it’s free to attend for SIG members’, so register here.
In the spirit of collaborative working and knowledge sharing, if you think you can offer insight in any of these topics, we would love to hear from you. Contact Helen Reynolds: helen.reynolds@radicalmoves.co.uk