ARTES Call for Innovative Hybrid Network Solutions: satellite services for very hard to reach areas
A call for expressions of interest in delivering future satellite services for very hard to reach areas under the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.
Opportunity Details
When
Registration Opens
22/11/2024
Registration Closes
31/01/2025
Award
The UK Space Agency will make funding available for co-funding of the proposed solution, £500k to £2m depending on project.
This is a targeted call for expressions of interest in delivering future satellite services under the Competitiveness and Growth call of the ESA ARTES Programme in support of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Very Hard to Reach Programme. The call will make up to £3.5 million of UK funding available. The call is focussed on three different projects.
- Nomadic Multi-orbit User Terminal Demonstrator (UK funding limit – up to £500,000)
- Papa Stour Service Demonstrator (UK funding limit – up to £1 million)
- Rathlin Island Service Demonstrator (UK funding limit – up to £2 million)
A webinar will be held at 11am to 11:45am Thursday 5 December 2024 (GMT) to explain further details around the call and application process. Register your interest in the webinar.
The funding being offered is match funding. In the UK two funding limits are available depending on the size of the company applying:
- for all large or non-SME companies, including companies who are wholly owned by large companies or groups of companies, or for SMEs undertaking very high-value programmes – up to 50%
- for all other SME companies and activities – up to 75%
The call is being run in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and applicants who are invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest will need to submit a UK Space Agency Cover Sheet. From there, applicants who secure UK National Delegate Approval for their project can apply directly to ESA.
To be considered for UK National Delegate support, organisations must be UK-based and, for commercial companies, must have a UK registration at Companies House. If you are considering moving to the UK, or you do not have a UK registration, you can seek further guidance from the team by email at telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.
Any questions about this funding opportunity should be submitted to telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Questions submitted to any other UK Space Agency email address will not be considered.
Further details on each of the project areas are available from the UK Space Agency: a brief summary of each is given here.
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Once implemented in a nomadic setup, the demonstrator won’t be tied to a single location. Instead, it’ll utilise roaming equipment and subscriptions to test the technology across a variety of environments.
We would like to see an integration of both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) user terminals (or the creation of a low-cost dual mode user terminal that connects to multiple orbits) to create a truly portable and nomadic solution. Mounted on a trailer or vehicle, this setup can be easily transported to any desired location. It must also be durable enough to withstand inclement weather conditions in rural and remote locations.
Suppliers should focus on integrating both LEO and GEO satellite terminals into a single system that can automatically switch traffic between, and fully utilise both orbits based on performance, latency, signal strength, and resilience requirements of the user cases. The design should be able to prioritise low-latency, high-bandwidth connections that can support a wide range of applications, from basic communication to data-heavy services.
Nomadic Multi-orbit User Terminal Demonstrator: full project brief and assessment criteria
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This is a project aimed at transforming connectivity on Papa Stour, a remarkable island located to the west of the mainland Shetland Islands.
Papa Stour is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and its surrounding seas are designated as a Special Area of Conservation due to the diverse wildlife supported by unique cave and reef formations. It is currently permanent home to just more than 22 people, despite having had a much higher population in the past. Efforts to support the sustainability of the island have been held back by a lack of available housing, infrastructure and essential services, including broadband and mobile service.
The challenges on Papa Stour are substantial – we need to develop a future proof, technology advanced, reliable, sustainable solution, but one that is also both financially realistic (within the financial and technical means of the community, local authorities and suppliers to fund and manage in the long term). Given the beauty and history of the island, this needs to be achieved in a sympathetic manner which will not impede island life or any opportunities for economic growth based on it’s unique character.
We aim to combine Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) user terminals to create an innovative satellite backhaul array solution.
Papa Stour Service Demonstrator: full project brief and assessment criteria
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This project is aimed at enhancing connectivity on Rathlin Island, an island off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
As Northern Ireland’s northernmost point, Rathlin lies just 6 miles off the mainland, with a small but vibrant community of just over 150 residents as of the 2021 Census. However, the island’s population swells significantly with up to 50,000 annual visitors. Tourists are particularly drawn to its wildlife, cultural, and historic attractions.
We propose to combine LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and GEO (Geostationary Orbit) terminals and wireless/mobile technologies to create a comprehensive, island-wide connectivity solution. This could include 5G/6G, or proprietary technologies, to both distribute satellite backhauled signal, and to support ‘long links’ to the mainland for further resilience.
Given the influence of the sea on life on Rathlin, the annual maritime festival and a potential future plan for renewable energy powered ferries, this call could also provide an opportunity to develop and showcase maritime satellite and communication services, and integrated land/mobile solutions.
Rathlin Island Service Demonstrator: full project brief and assessment criteria