Scientists at Heriot-Watt University are embarking on a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing satellite internet connectivity. With an increase in global demand for reliable internet access, especially in remote and underserved regions, the consortium’s initiative represents a significant step forward in closing the digital divide. This effort, funded by a substantial £6 million grant from the UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, seeks to create a cost-effective and efficient means of distributing high-speed internet access across varied environments. The implications of such an innovation are vast, touching industries ranging from emergency services to autonomous transport.
At the heart of this innovative ambition lies the development of a compact, flexible terminal known as the Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal, or MAMUT. This terminal will be capable of interfacing with multiple satellite networks, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. Innovatively designed with the user experience as a primary consideration, MAMUT operates under the premise of providing end-users with the autonomy to select their preferred satellite operator through an intuitive application interface. The aspiration is to empower customers, enabling them to optimize costs while maximizing flexibility in their connectivity options.
The project’s design caters to a diverse array of locations that often suffer from inadequate internet service, such as oil rigs, remote marine environments, or challenging terrains like mountains. The inherent challenges associated with ensuring robust connectivity in these areas are well recognized, making the development of MAMUT essential for improving internet access for various sectors that traditionally struggle in terms of connectivity. The innovative engineering behind MAMUT promises to drastically decrease the barriers faced in these remote locations, unlocking new potential for economic development and business operations.
Professor George Goussetis, a key figure at Heriot-Watt University, is spearheading the engineering of MAMUT’s satellite terminal antenna. Goussetis brings a wealth of expertise in microwave and antenna engineering to the table, aiming to create a solution that is not only effective but also economically viable. His insights have paved the way for an evolution in satellite technology that could lead to significant cost reductions in comparison to existing terminals on the market. This reduction will likely make satellite internet more accessible to a broader cross-section of the population.
In an interview, Professor Goussetis articulated his vision for the future of satellite connectivity, highlighting its opening of transformative opportunities across various sectors. For instance, industries like offshore operations, autonomous drone transportation, and emergency services stand to benefit significantly from improved internet access. He emphasizes the importance of future-proofing their designs, ensuring adaptability that will transcend current barriers and limitations.
Contributing to this extensive project is Dr. Samuel Rotenberg, a researcher from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Dr. Rotenberg underscores the differences between MAMUT’s design principles and existing technologies, critiquing the prevalent focus on throughput performance metrics that hampers market growth. Many current terminal solutions are prohibitively large and power-inefficient, aspects that MAMUT aims to address through a more compact and energy-efficient design.
The innovative approach underlying the MAMUT project represents a significant leap toward creating a terminal that meets the demands of contemporary markets. This new terminal structure, compact and lightweight yet robust, is geared for a range of static and mobile applications, allowing potential expansion into budding sectors that require dependable internet capabilities. By making use of modern engineering methods, the team aims to create a multifunctional system that intertwines modularity with cost efficiency to cater to diverse customer needs.
The consortium, which includes leading firms such as Satellite and Space Consulting and Satraka Ltd, plays an integral role in solidifying the foundation of MAMUT. This collaboration not only combines expertise from various sectors but also maximizes the potential impact of the project. Through shared knowledge and resources, the group aims to elevate the standards of space technology applications within the UK and beyond.
The impact of this initiative reaches beyond simple connectivity; it promises to redefine entire industries. The UK Government’s investment in MAMUT, resulting from their £16 million funding allocation for the C-LEO programme, showcases a broader recognition of the potential in satellite-based technologies. By backing projects that propel innovation in satellite constellations, the UK Government aims to enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of its industries, ensuring that they are equipped to thrive in the competitive global landscape.
As the project enters its next stages, the focus will shift to the creation of a prototype terminal. Industry leaders will be engaged to discuss practical application scenarios, showcasing MAMUT’s advantages over existing technology. Such practical demonstrations will be crucial in fostering partnerships and securing further investments to drive the initiative forward.
Bethan Evans, the Chief Operating Officer of Excelerate Technology Ltd, expresses her enthusiasm about the project and its potential within the rapidly evolving space sector. The increase in satellite launches and projects nationally heralds an era of unprecedented opportunities in space connectivity. The funding secured for the MAMUT project is a critical enabler for realizing these advanced capabilities and ensuring that the UK maintains a pivotal role in pioneering the technological landscape.
Heriot-Watt University is also pursuing a comprehensive vision for the future, aiming to establish itself as a key hub for space technology innovation through initiatives like the proposed space tech cluster at its Edinburgh campus. This focus on bridging academic research with industry practice ensures that students are not only educated but also equipped to become leading innovators in the space industry.
The university’s leadership in space technology is further bolstered by its status as a leading institution for physics research and quantum communications. Alongside its advanced facilities, which include a powerful telescope that supports satellite research, Heriot-Watt is poised to make significant advancements in satellite connectivity. The collaborative spirit fostered in its research park with space-related businesses enhances the university’s capacity to implement real-world solutions derived from complex academic concepts.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, emphasizes the university’s commitment to creating a thriving environment for innovation in space technology. With this pioneering work on MAMUT, Heriot-Watt illustrates its capability to navigate and transform the global landscape of scientific advancements and societal benefits. The synergy of research expertise and industry collaboration at the university underpins its ambition to ignite the next wave of technological evolution, cementing its legacy as a leader in space-based innovations that facilitate global connectivity.
Subject of Research: Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit
Article Title: Scientists at Heriot-Watt University Develop Groundbreaking Satellite Connectivity Solution
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit
References:
Image Credits: Heriot-Watt University
Keywords
Satellite connectivity, Low Earth Orbit, Heriot-Watt University, satellite technology, internet access, autonomy, MAMUT, UK Space Agency, innovation, research.
