The funding was awarded by the agency under its C-LEO (Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit) programme.
SatixFy
SatixFy, the Israel-headquartered satellite comms specialist, is addressing demand for software-reconfigurable satellite payloads. It is developing advanced regenerative and digital beamforming software.
The software is for real-time control of LEO, MEO and GEO payloads, whether based on DVB, 3GPP, or other waveforms. The ultimate goal is to enable flexible, adaptive, and intelligent satellite networks.
ASIC
In terms of hardware, the code will integrate with SatixFy’s Sx4000 regenerative processor ASIC (pictured). And also with Prime 2.0 digital beamforming ICs.
“Satellite mega-constellations are changing how people and businesses communicate across the globe, transforming markets in areas like maritime and aviation connectivity, ” said the Investment Director at the UK Space Agency, Dr. Craig Brown.
“This new project with SatixFy will develop advanced software that is flexible and adaptable to the evolving demands of new satellite systems. It is a key part of our plans to ensure the UK continues to benefit from the rapid growth of the global space sector.”
Software hardware
For its part SatixFy highlighted closing the gap between advanced processing hardware and intelligent software
“We believe that this award from the UK Space Agency is a strong validation of SatixFy’s core capabilities,” said CEO Nir Barkan. “By leveraging our deep expertise in satellite communications, digital signal processing and radiation hardening semiconductor development, we believe that we are well-positioned to deliver a complete solution that extends beyond hardware into software-driven optimisation.”
“Completion of the development of this software, designed by SatixFy UK, would mark a strategic expansion of our portfolio — bridging the gap between advanced processing hardware and intelligent software to provide customers with a fully integrated, next-generation satellite communication solution.”
C-LEO
We reported last month on another C-LEO contract. The agency has has backed a Welsh communications integration specialist, Excelerate. This was a £6 million award to develop a multi-orbit, multi-beam satellite antenna.
This is for a Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT). This will allow users to choose an operator, and orbit, via an app.
The full consortium, led by led by Excelerate, includes Satellite and Space Consulting and Heriot Watt University. And also Satraka Ltd and Jet Connectivity. The funding is part of the UKSA’s Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme.
See also: Satellite builder MDA buys UK-based SatixFy Space Systems
