Eutelsat Quantum: The European Union’s Reprogrammable Satellite
An advanced telecommunications satellite that is capable of being completely reprogrammed while in orbit has launched, designed under an ESA Collaboration Project with satellite provider Eutelsat and main manufacturer Airbus, Eutelsat Quantum has spearheaded a new era of satellites with the European space industry.
The adaptable software-defined satellite– which will be utilized by governments and in mobility and data markets– was launched aboard an Ariane 5 on July 30, 2021, from Europe’s launch platform in French Guiana.
The satellite has since arrived at geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 kilometers over Earth, where the satellite systems checkout was successfully finished.
Given that the satellite can be reprogrammed in orbit, it can react to shifting needs throughout its lifetime.
Its beams Are capable of being redirected to refocus nearly in real-time to deliver information to passengers aboard moving ships, aircraft, trucks, and various other land-based transportation. The beams can additionally be easily adjusted to provide more data when necessary.
The satellite can identify and characterize any rogue transmissions, allowing it to react dynamically to unintended disturbance or deliberate jamming.
The satellite will continue to be in geostationary orbit for its 15-year lifespan, after which it will be safely and securely positioned in a graveyard orbit far from Earth to prevent turning into a threat to other satellites.
Eutelsat Quantum is a UK flagship project with the majority of the satellite designed and produced by British industry. Airbus is the main contractor and in charge of constructing the satellite’s cutting-edge payload, while Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd produced the new platform. The ingenious phased array antenna was designed by Airbus in Spain.
ESA Collaboration Projects create sustainable end-to-end systems, right up to in-orbit validation.
UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway said that by investing in ground-breaking global projects such as this one, we aid UK companies in transforming science fiction into commercial benefits, creating jobs, growth, and innovation. This game-changing technology will guarantee that the UK will continue to lead the world in telecommunications satellites and further boost its expanding space industry.
ESA’s Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, Elodie Viau, was proud to witness the successful launch of Eutelsat Quantum, which is the outcome of an ESA Collaboration Project. ESA promotes innovation in the space industry in the UK and throughout Europe and Canada, allowing it to prevail in the exceptionally challenging international telecommunications markets. Elodie Viau added that investing in space opens up job oportunitys and prosperity in the world.
The EutelSat Quantum program introduced numerous obstacles for SSTL to conquer throughout the development of the satellite system design, mechanical design, propulsion system, and essential subsystems within the satellite platform. Added Ben Stocker, Director of Projects at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
Ben Stocker continued by saying that the abilities and knowledge acquired through successfully conquering the many obstacles have allowed SSTL to fine-tune its engineering strategy. Particularly for markets and applications where system reliability and accessibility are essential requirements, the ongoing assistance of the UK Space Agency and ESA has placed SSTL in a quite solid position to deliver their exciting upcoming pathfinder missions.
Originally published on scitechdaily.com. Read the original article.
Read more, some about the, next Generation of EuTelsat Quantum.
