Guidance

Nomadic Multi-orbit User Terminal Demonstrator: project brief and assessment criteria

Published 27 November 2024

1. Project brief 

This demonstrator project is designed to showcase the potential of integrating different satellite technologies to deliver gigabit-capable speeds at affordable prices. Whether static or nomadic, this demonstrator is built to prove the robustness and adaptability of Satellite Communication technology. 

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. This flexibility allows users to validate performance and reliability under different conditions. 

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. 

The demonstrator should be tailored to demonstrate the configuration, performance and cost economics to several key sectors: 

• telecoms industry professionals looking for reliable backhaul solutions
• local authorities aiming to improve connectivity in underserved areas
• emergency services requiring robust communication channels in crisis situations
• the events and hospitality sector, where rapid deployment of high-speed internet is essential
• farmers needing dependable connectivity in remote locations, including nomadic use cases (such as harvest or spraying support)

One of the primary objectives is to develop, validate and demonstrate a system able to deliver the target service in a cost-effective manner. The size and duration of the demonstration shall be limited to the elements and period necessary to validate and demonstrate the fulfilment of the target requirements of the product(s) and service. 

By progressing through these stages, the project aims to deliver a well-designed, thoroughly tested, and highly adaptable nomadic connectivity solution that can be quickly deployed to enhance communication at events and support emergency services when needed. 

1.1 Key considerations for suppliers 

To successfully deliver this project, potential suppliers must consider the following: 

• mobility and durability: the equipment should be mounted on a trailer or vehicle, with a design that enables easy transport by standard vehicles. It must be robust enough to handle various terrains and weather conditions, from rural farmlands to urban event spaces
• seamless multi-orbit integration: 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
• power efficiency: given that the setup will often be used in remote locations, the system should include components that can run on portable power supplies, such as generators, batteries and/or solar panels, ensuring that it can operate independently of local power infrastructure. It should also be able to plug into mains power supplies where available
• cost-effectiveness: one of the key objectives is to make the solution affordable, keeping the overall cost of manufacturing, transport, and deployment within acceptable limits for different sectors. By using dual mode terminals, the solution should be able to deliver capacity at lower effective ‘price per average gigabtye’
• integration and connectivity: whilst the clear focus of the call is on nomadic terminal economics with high throughput, we would expect that the solution includes multiple terrestrial wireless solutions for onward signal transmission. We would expect this to include an IoT appropriate solution (such as Lorawan or similar), 4G/5G and a substantial Wifi capability. Additionally, the integration of 4G/5G antenna and the ability to fail over to macro networks would be admirable.

1.2 Logistical and technical considerations 

To achieve the goals of this demonstrator, suppliers should keep in mind: 

• rapid deployment: the system should be easy to set up and configure, allowing it to be deployed within a short timeframe. This is especially critical for emergency services and the events sector, where time is of the essence, and other activities are priorities
• usability: the system should include a management interface, both local and remote (for example, cloud based), to allow on site and remote management on deployment
• transportability: the equipment must be designed for easy transport by a range of vehicles, from small vehicles to trailers. It should be lightweight enough to be moved easily but rugged enough to withstand outdoor conditions
• scalability: suppliers should consider creating a system that can be easily scaled up or down based on the specific needs of the location, whether that involves connecting a large event or providing connectivity to a small, remote community
• durability: the system should be designed to withstand various environmental factors, such as extreme weather conditions including high winds, temperature extremes, high humidity and salinity, high rain fall rates, and potential physical wear, tear and shocks during transportation
• security: the system could be deployed in safety critical situations, or in remote areas unattended. As such, all equipment should be able to be secured to the vehicle. Components should be trackable, and a security and integrity monitoring system should be inbuilt, to provide information on the status of the system (location, temperature, stability, physical integrity, etc) at all times

The project should generate several final deliverables including: 

• the equipment/product  itself, and associated IT and documentation (for sharing with DSIT) 
• the roadshow to demonstrate the solution, as agreed with ESA and UKG 
• an inheritance plan for the equipment at the end of the demonstration

1.3 Funding 

The UK Space Agency will make up to £500,000 available for co-funding of the proposed solution.  

2. Assessment criteria 

2.1 Approach and methodology 

There should be a well-considered approach to the project with clear goals, including a developed comprehensive project plan with clear timelines, risk register, milestones, and deliverables. This should incorporate a maintenance plan which should be developed for regular system checks and prompt troubleshooting, clearly identified programme, technical and commercial risks and associated mitigation strategies in place.  

The project must comply with relevant national and international regulatory frameworks governing satellite and wireless communications. Spectrum management strategies should be in place to ensure the system operates without causing interference. 

The system should implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against vulnerabilities, including encryption and real-time threat detection. Additionally, the solution must ensure full compliance with data protection regulations (such as GDPR) to safeguard user privacy. 

2.2 Commercial assessment 

The trial should demonstrate operational cost-efficiency, including ongoing maintenance, bandwidth, and personnel costs. Consideration should also be given to ensuring that the final solution is affordable and accessible to target markets, particularly underserved areas. 

The programme should demonstrate the potential for high speeds at a reasonable price point, with consideration to wider adoption by the market if successful. 

The solution should demonstrate ease of deployment across various environments (urban, rural, maritime, etc.) and provide a positive user experience, with feedback gathered from end-users to validate accessibility, performance, and usability. 

2.3 Financial return 

There should be a satisfactory financial return to the UK space sector, including to the lead applicant and their partners and supply chains. We will consider whether the benefits of the proposal are suitably distributed within a UK and ESA Member State supply chain.  

We will look to see how the supply chain is incorporated into the project, to ensure maximum benefits. As such, consortium bids will score highly. 

2.4 Innovation and technical performance 

We will consider whether the goal of the programme is challenging enough to warrant support, as well as whether it is a suitable innovation target. Importantly, innovation can be in product or service development, including design, manufacture or demonstration.  

The solution should demonstrate strong network performance in terms of latency, throughput, and reliability. The system must also be scalable to support increasing users, data traffic, or geographical coverage without compromising performance. 

The solution should seamlessly integrate with existing terrestrial and satellite communication networks, adhering to relevant industry standards (such as 5G, satellite communication protocols) to ensure compatibility and future readiness. 

2.5 Wider social and environmental benefits 

We would like to see a reliable and sustainable power source, possibly integrating renewable energy solutions like solar panel or wind turbine.  

We will consider the wider direct or indirect benefits from the programme, which can be supplemented with case studies or other formats. 

We expect to see a focus on reducing the environmental impact of the trial, including responsible resource use, waste management, and carbon emissions. Environmentally sustainable design and renewable energy solutions should be incorporated wherever possible. 

The programme should demonstrate its ability to reduce the digital divide and improve digital inclusion particularly in remote or rural areas. Community engagement will be important to ensure that the solution addresses societal needs and maximises positive social impact.