Space-qualified data relay payload enables on-demand near real-time data communications for LEO SmallSats.

Cambridge, UK – 26 June 2024 – TTP, an independent technology and product development company based in the UK, has today announced the intended launch of a new data relay terminal into space with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). The terminal, the first of its kind manufactured in Europe, can provide a constant link between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites (SmallSats) and Earth through a geosynchronous satellite relay.

The low SWaP-C space-qualified terminal will be launched shortly in the US on Tyche, an Earth observation satellite for UK Space Command built by SSTL, and will be used for defence applications.

The terminal provides a data link between a LEO SmallSat and GEO satellites using Viasat’s global L-band network. This enables constant on-demand ground contact for LEO satellites, rather than being restricted to the short windows that open when LEO satellites travel over ground stations. The terminal unlocks true intersatellite links and provides rapid response, near real-time Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) communications, and data transfer.

The terminal’s antenna is omnidirectional, meaning it doesn’t need to be steered to track GEO satellites to communicate with them. The satellite’s power can be purely focused on its primary operation and the link will be maintained automatically.

Lewis Davies, Satellite and Space System Architect at TTP, said, “In this ‘New Space’ age, we’re proud that our terminal, which uses commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, is soon to be space-borne. It builds on TTP’s heritage in the development of satcom terminals for a wide range of applications and is manufactured in the UK, a member of the Five Eyes alliance. The terminal’s compact size makes it suitable for small satellites, so it can quickly be applied to a range of use cases such as earth observation, active debris removal and IoT connectivity. Ultimately, we’re giving LEO operators greater telemetry capabilities and control over their satellites by enabling commands to be sent and received at any time.”

Rob Goddard, Director of Engineering at SSTL, said: “LEO satellites have typically been limited in their ability to send data to Earth, only able to connect when orbiting past a ground terminal. SSTL are excited to be part of this innovation in space technology with TTP, jointly developing the data relay Inter Satellite Link (ISL) in the UK that can constantly and reliably provide a connection with Earth, via GEO satellites to enable on demand tasking and quick access to data in an accelerating world.”

Todd McDonell, Head of International Government at Viasat: “Persistent satellite connectivity is critical for defence and military operations. Using the strength of Viasat’s global L-band network, this new terminal from TTP will help unlock greater data relay capabilities for LEO operators than previously available. Whether it’s for disaster recovery, rapid tasking or monitoring remote mission environments, defence organisations need access to real-time data as military operators on the ground can’t afford to wait an hour for LEO satellites to pass over a ground terminal to receive data.”

The terminal has a data rate of up to 200kbps, is 300x160x30mm and weighs 1.35kg. In receive mode (Rx) it has a power consumption of 8W, with a peak consumption of 38W.

TTP is a technology and product development services company based in the Cambridge (UK) technology cluster. For over 35 years, the company has been delivering science and technology-driven innovation to clients in a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, where we are working with global leaders who benefit from TTP’s exposure to other industry sectors and technologies. TTP’s focus areas in the space sector include:

TTP has extensive experience in the development of terrestrial and satellite communication solutions – from system level down to devices, from VHF to V-band, from land-based equipment to aeronautical and space-based platforms.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is at the forefront of space innovation delivering customisable complete mission solutions for Earth observation, science, communications, navigation, in-orbit debris removal and servicing and exploration beyond Earth infrastructure. Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched 73 satellites for 20 international customers, as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA, international governments and commercial customers. SSTL is well known for innovative missions such as the CARBONITE satellites, the NovaSAR S-band radar imaging satellite and the RemoveDEBRIS space debris removal technology demonstrator. Headquartered in Guildford, UK.

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

The key to unlocking scalable UAV safety lies in a detect and avoid system that achieves optimal performance without adding bulk or cost. By leveraging radar and off-the-shelf cameras through advanced sensor fusion, we’re poised to bridge this gap, ensuring safety standards are met without compromise.

Research forecasts a soaring demand for UAVs in the cargo sector, with over 500,000 vehicles expected to be deployed from 2025-2030. This represents a significant market opportunity, potentially exceeding $100 million in annual revenue, particularly in service models.

Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on radar or camera-based solutions, we’re pioneering a unique sensor fusion strategy. By combining the strengths of both technologies, we’re developing a lightweight system that aims to meet stringent weight, power, and cost targets—crucial for widespread adoption.

Our team boasts extensive experience in UAV safety, having successfully launched innovative safety solutions in the past. With world-class expertise in radar, vision technologies, fusion algorithms, AI, and all things autonomous; we’re uniquely positioned to bring reliable Detect and Avoid capabilities to the burgeoning drone delivery market.

We invite investment partners, go-to-market collaborators, testing partners, and those interested in evaluating end-to-end use case feasibility to join us in revolutionizing UAV safety. Together, let’s pioneer the next generation of drone technology and ensure safe and efficient integration into our skies.

Download the full presentation below to learn more about transforming UAV Safety with cutting-edge sensor fusion.

You may also be interested in our ‘Gotonomi’ brand miniaturised UAV communication system, which offers satellite and cellular connectivity in a lightweight, low power package. 

Our Gotonomi terminals provide an always-on, secure datalink between vehicles, remote operators and air traffic control. This enables new capabilities such as video streaming, telemetry, command and control for safety and other data services. To find out more, visit: https://gotonomi.com/  

16th January 2024, Cambridge, UK – Technology development experts TTP and semiconductor focused accelerator SiliconCatalyst.UK are partnering to help fast-track the UK’s most exciting new semiconductor companies’ journey to market. TTP will work with companies at ChipStart UK, a UK government funded semiconductor startup incubator managed and delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK. By offering the ChipStart UK cohort their mentorship and expertise in bringing new products to market, the companies will benefit from TTP’s multi-decade experience of integrating novel semiconductor devices into difficult real-world use-cases.

The two-year ChipStart UK programme includes eleven companies that are designing chips for use in a wide range of sectors, from brain implants to online security, quantum computing to efficient processors for the training of AI (artificial intelligence) models.  Experienced accelerator SiliconCatalyst.UK will provide bespoke chip design tools, commercial expertise and access to a network of specialist mentors and technology experts such as TTP. 

“TTP offer valuable and unique insights into solving engineering problems, as well as acting as a route to real world applications via their own development programmes, and those of the customers they serve” said Silicon Catalyst.UK CEO Sean Redmond. “Providing this type of expertise and access to real use-cases will help our cohort better tune their product requirements and roadmaps. This is a key benefit for our cohort of companies, that will help accelerate their product development and potentially reduce time to market”

TTP have strong heritage in silicon, including key roles in the development of digital mobile and satellite phones. A more recent focus has been on the development of technologies relating to Edge AI processing, and their integration into systems in areas such UAV detect and avoid and autonomous agricultural robotics.

“We choose to work with companies who are expanding the boundaries of the possible” said Tom Nicholson, AI consultant at TTP. “Right now, some of the most exciting development in AI is happening at the edge – embedded processing that can help AI models make important decisions in the real world, in real time, without a connection to the cloud is the only path to true autonomy. This is an area in which the UK could lead the world, and a key area of interest for both TTP and the ChipStart UK cohort.”

For TTP plc: enquiries@ttp.com

For Silicon Catalyst: webinfo@siliconcatalyst.com

16th January 2024, Cambridge, UK – INNOVX, a multi-sectorial company affiliated to University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) committed to “Pioneering the Next industries”, and UK technology development company TTP, today announce their shared ambition to strengthen the existing collaboration by creating a new venture in Morocco dedicated to developing sustainable solutions based on innovative technologies.

This initiative will support OCP’s ambitious Green Ammonia program, targeting the annual production of 3 million tons of green ammonia mainly dedicated to the production of sustainable plant nutrition solutions by 2032. This new venture will also provide technology development and scale-up to client companies for accelerating the Green Energy transition.

This partnership is backed by a clear vision to strengthen INNOVX’s position in the global green energy landscape.

The partnership also includes the establishment of a TTP branch in Morocco, backed by UM6P facilities and community.

INNOVX is a cross-disciplinary and multisectoral company committed to addressing global sustainability challenges and contributing to Morocco’s technological leadership by “Pioneering the Next industries”.

As a subsidiary of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), INNOVX combines the fields of venture capital, technology incubation, and business development to design, develop, and scale up innovative, high-performing technological businesses and ecosystems with a strong environmental and social impact.

INNOVX operates in strategic sectors essential to food sovereignty, energy, and digital transition, such as Agriculture, Social Innovation, Energy, Chemicals, and Digital.

For more information, visit their website: Innovx.ma

TTP is a leading technology development company. It works with ambitious clients to create breakthrough solutions.  Its services draw on deep domain expertise, in science, engineering, design, test, validation, and transfer-to-manufacture. TTP’s core strength is its ability to manage fast-paced, complex and multi-disciplinary developments from inception through to commercial development.

For TTP plc: enquiries@ttp.com

For INNOVX: communication@innovx.ma

In a field just outside Salisbury, England, Tom moves carefully but briskly over rows of wheat plants, examining each set of leaves. Tiny differences between the narrow green stems might indicate that the hated blackgrass has infested the crops, reducing yield and slashing financial returns from this field. If blackgrass is found, this patch might need a dose of herbicide, or a vigorous hoeing.

Such a level of crop care is difficult in a commodity crop like wheat, grown on a vast scale in fields that can stretch to the horizon. That such attentiveness can be shown to the little plants in every part of this field is due to Tom’s inexhaustible patience. That owes much to the fact that Tom is a small farm robot, created by the Small Robot Company (SRC).

Indeed, a number of companies are already developing clever innovations that allow other small farm robots to perform hard farming practices with high precision and low impact. Activities such as planting, watering, spraying, hoeing, weeding, making furrows, monitoring and data collection, and even picking soft fruits, are all falling to automation.

These functional innovations form each of the individual USPs of the robots, but regardless of the function, small farm robots also need to move around the farm to do their jobs. Every one of them will need to solve this autonomy challenge. TTP and SRC have started a collaboration to achieve this.

Tom counts as a small farm robot even though he is nearly the size of a Mini, at ~1.5m x 1.3m. He is “small” by comparison with the enormous machines typical for sowing, tending and harvesting broadacre crops.

Deliberately created to be lightweight and with large, low-pressure tyres, he can roll over emerging plants without damaging them; with a pressure on the ground that is lower than a human wearing snowshoes, so as to avoid compacting or damaging the soil.

Small farm robots are billed as the answer to many a farmer’s desire to produce more food with fewer chemicals, and less waste, with long term sustainability.

This presents a commercial niche for “sustainable intensification” of food production, which leads to a requirement for better tending of crops. Plant-by-plant crop-care practices that would be more at home in a cottage garden are beginning to be thought of at scale in commercial horticulture – and even in broadacre crops.

SRC are proof that this what the market is demanding, their investors are mostly farmers.

But small farm robots will not deliver for farmers if their developers do not deliver on autonomy, enabling robots to make their way around the farm while recognising and responding to edge cases – the limit of field, a bounding dog, a pylon, hikers, uneven ground, holes – hail or shine.

In a bid to support the industry in the development of safe autonomous robots, a new standard has recently been launched; ISO 18496. This standard specifies the principles for design, verification, and validation of highly automated machines during field operations.

It includes a requirement to design perception systems that mitigate the risks of mis-detection of, for example, obstacles obscured by crops, dust, fog, snow or rain; light, dust or vibrations impacting perception systems; and uneven ground causing the sensing beam to vary as the vehicle pitches and tilts. In understanding what we’re up against, this is a good place to start.

Sensor fusion will be part of the answer, combining the input of several sensors (such as cameras, lidar, and radar) to see in different light conditions, overcome dusty and muddy environments, and detect hazards behind foliage.

There are also lessons to be learned from farm robotics innovation to date, as well as from other industries with more experience grappling with autonomy.

SRC are sharing their time, robots and challenges, so we can work collaboratively to address them. We hope this project will grow through more partners, who can also benefit from our autonomous vehicle platform.

We are sharing TTP’s know-how in solving complex challenges in autonomous vehicle perception systems. One example involved optimising lidar performances for bad weather by developing algorithms to correct for laser light absorption, scatter, and reflection in rain and fog. Another looked at innovative cleaning methods to eliminate signal interference from dirt on the sensor.

For the sake of sustainable food production, this is a new industry that needs to learn fast. We too are keen to learn more. We would love to hear from agricultural robot companies who are willing to share their challenges so we can solve them together.

Contact us to find out more.

Companies unveil a LEO Regenerative 5G RAN reference solution architecture

UK, 20th September, 2023: AccelerComm, the Layer 1 5G IP specialists, Radisys® Corporation, a global leader of open telecom solutions including 5G RAN, RFDSP Lower-Phy IP specialists and TTP, an independent technology and product development company based in the UK, today announced that they are jointly formulating a high-performance Regenerative 5G RAN reference solution and architecture based on 3GPP for deployment on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The partnership combines expertise and IP from these companies, together with additional technology from partners, to propose a 5G regenerative gNodeB solution that is tailored to support high-performance 5G services in the challenging environment of a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN).

In a typical LEO deployment, a constellation of fast-moving satellites covers a wide geographical area using a large number of beams per satellite to cover a multitude of subscribers. The 5G Regenerative NTN solution includes Option-2 split gNB with a distributed unit (DU) on the satellite payload with a ground-based centralized unit (CU) and 5GC. The solution handles unique regenerative NTN-specific requirements of extremely high mobility with frequency re-association between the DU, GW and CU serving a region and large-sized cells spanning multiple countries requiring country-specific CN routing. Moreover, any gNodeB platform for space applications will be highly constrained in size, weight, and power, and must be able to work in a hostile space environment.

The joint LEO Regenerative reference solution will be designed to meet the growing demand for satellite-based eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband) and IoT (Internet of Things) services. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses and organizations that need to connect people and devices in remote locations, or for governments looking to provide internet access to all citizens. The solution will support a large number of beams and high subscriber density and will be delivered on a space-hardened platform optimised for low power and size. It includes a range of advanced developments in the areas of beam-to-cell mapping, beam forming, NTN beam management and well-defined interfaces to SATCOM infrastructure.

The O-RAN compliant gNodeB leverages Radisys’ split NTN-capable CU, DU software with AccelerComm’s LEOphy and RFDSP’s Low-Phy, a Layer 1 modem that delivers enhanced performance for low-earth orbit satellite communications combined with TTP’s DFE and Beam Scheduler. Radisys’ CU/DU supports optimized mechanisms for handling signaling load due to high mobility, along with a power-optimized scalable software that manages the varying system requirements of beams and users. LEOphy boasts the lowest error rates, with dedicated features to overcome the specific challenges of NTN channels, such as high path losses, differential delays, Doppler shift, long propagation delays, and rapid fluctuations in signal amplitude and phase caused by atmospheric effects. As a result, it ensures a high-reliability link without having to resort to lower coding rates and low-order modulation schemes, thereby maximising spectral efficiency. TTP’s DFE supports Crest Factor Reduction (CFR) to improve the efficiency of the RF power amplifier and its Beam Scheduler enables optimized beam hopping and switching functionality to maximize network capacity based on real-time traffic demands.

The 5G Regenerative gNodeB is combined for an end-to-end NTN solution, with Radisys’ 5GC, available on Kubernetes container platform and small form-factor x86, ARM, and which can handle both NR-NTN and IoT devices.

“Deploying 5G gNodeB on a LEO satellite payload, brings a unique set of challenges for satellites passing over at extremely high speeds, including large cell coverage optimization, high doppler handling and users’ mobility,” said Munish Chhabra, SVP and General Manager, Software and Services at Radisys. “With onboard regenerative deployments, the complexities compound. Onboard power and resource constraints require low compute, storage footprint CU, DU software and performance-efficient beam hopping that goes beyond 3GPP specifications. Radisys is excited to partner with AccelerComm, RFDSP and TTP to define and develop an NTN solution addressing the regenerative gNodeB challenges and enable their customers to deploy LEO constellation satellite services.”

“There has been an explosion in interest around combining satellite and traditional mobile communications systems,” said Rob Barnes, Chief Marketing Officer at AccelerComm. “However, for satellite 5G to be truly successful there are a number of performance and efficiency challenges which have to be overcome. Solving these requires building on the existing 3GPP technologies to create a tailored solution built to deal with the unique challenges of operating around a thousand kilometres from Earth at speeds of over 7km per second, all while dealing with power and resource constraints. We are delighted to be working with our partners Radisys, RFDSP and TTP to develop this high-performance solution which will open-up a whole new market for delivering 5G services from space.”

“A 5G NTN LEO regenerative gNodeB deployment presents unique challenges when compared to Terrestrial gNodeB. In order to serve the number of beams and support the density of subscribers required, the gNodeB will have to be heavily optimised and tightly integrated with the overall payload functionality.” Said Peter Kibutu, TTP’s Advanced Technology Lead NTN. “TTP is pleased to partner with AccelerComm, RFDSP and Radisys to define a highly scalable and low power gNodeB solution, that will enable LEO operators to efficiently deliver 5G NTN services.”

“Recognizing the growing demand for 5G physical layers for non-terrestrial applications and their unique requirements, based on our conformance-tested 5G NR low PHY for terrestrial networks, we built a fully-featured 5G low PHY solution for NTN including a unified interface with high PHY for both options 6 and 7.2x, Doppler shift compensation, digital front-end design, beamforming, and control of multiple simultaneous beams for maximal spectral efficiency,” said Prof. Ping Liang, founder and CEO of RF DSP Inc. “We are happy to be a part of the 5G NTN ecosystem.”

TTP provides independent system’s expertise to enable Satellite operators to adopt the 5G NTN technology, covering areas such as end-to-end system specification, and the development, integration and testing of key components for both the 5G radio access network and user terminal ecosystem.

TTP has been a trusted partner in wireless technology and connected product innovation since the development of the first digital mobile phones. Today, we help our customers to create new products and technologies that enable connected enterprise, technologies that enhance mobility through connectivity, new interfaces between humans and technology, and technologies that learn and communicate.

From understanding a market opportunity, through concept generation to detailed realisation, we undertake all stages of technology, product and service development. Our customers benefit from the experience gained through 30 years of successful project delivery in fields as diverse as body-implanted devices; critical communications for emergency services; IoT solutions for industry transformation; broadband to aircraft and satellite communication systems.

AccelerComm provides complete physical layer IP solutions which enable optimal performance of 5G radio access networks and solves the challenges that would otherwise limit the throughput, latency, and spectral efficiency of 5G, by mitigating the effects of noise, interference and poor signal strength. The company is active in a number of industry associations including the O-RAN ALLIANCE and Small Cell Forum. Visit www.accelercomm.com or follow @AccelerComm on Twitter.

Radisys is a global leader in open telecom solutions and services. Its disaggregated platforms and integration services leverage open reference architectures and standards combined with open software and hardware, enabling service providers to drive open digital transformation. Radisys offers an end-to-end solutions portfolio from digital endpoints, to disaggregated and open access and core solutions, to immersive digital applications and engagement platforms. Its world-class and experienced network services organization delivers full lifecycle services to help service providers build and operate highly scalable and high-performance networks at optimum total cost of ownership. Visit www.Radisys.com.

RF DSP Inc provides high-performance 5G and 4G low PHY, O-RAN eCPRI fronthaul, complete NB-IoT PHY (high and low PHY) FPGA IPs for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), O-RAN M-plane software, and design services to enable customers to quickly bring to market split 6 or 7.2x Open RAN products. Our O-RU IP includes O-RAN CUS-planes supporting multiple bands, multiple component carriers, mixed numerologies, and MIMO beamforming. Our O-RU reference design includes M-plane software and a PHY-layer end-to-end System Development Environment for O-RAN (O-RAN SDE) to support the development and conformance testing of O-RU products. We also provide optimized NTN solutions that support large Doppler frequency shift compensation, beam control and management for maximal spectral efficiency through spatial multiplexing. Visit www.rfdsp.com.

TTP and Viasat to herald launch of UAV safety platform at Commercial UAV Expo. Gotonomi inviting flight trial partners for compact UAV satellite terminals, enabling BVLOS operations for drone operators. 

Cambridge, UK, 23rd August, 2023: Today, technology developer TTP plc announce the launch of Gotonomi at the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. With the aim of seeding the market, Gotonomi will offer low size, weight and power satellite terminals for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) as flight trial development kits to partners. The terminals will be compatible with Viasat’s Velaris™ global connectivity solution, and have been developed as part of the revolutionary Iris air traffic modernisation programme, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and powered by Viasat’s ELERA satellite network.  

Velaris provides secure communications for commercial UAVs to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and seamlessly integrate with aircraft in commercial airspace. It allows operators to send their UAVs on long-distance flights and access various applications, such as real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with air traffic.  

Once connected to the Velaris service, Gotonomi’s terminals will offer an always-available 200kbps secure datalink between vehicles, remote operators and UAV Traffic Management (UTM) systems. Users can choose between three initial variants: 

•        Velaris 200 – satcom only, fully integrated antenaa

•        Velaris Module – satcom only core module

•        Velaris Multi-link Module – satcom core module and LTE hybrid terminal with edge computer.

With hybrid connectivity, users have the benefit of low latency, high-speed 4G communications backed by a resilient satellite connection almost anywhere on the planet – providing seamless connectivity through the intelligent routing of data.  

Tristan Barkley, Head of Satellite and Space at TTP said “We want Gotonomi to play a lead role in growing the ecosystem of resilient universal communications for autonomous vehicle safety, offering cutting edge products made possible by TTP know-how.” 

Alongside satellite terminals, Gotonomi aims to play a key role in developing the market for safety products and services across a range of autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles on land, sea and air. For example, systems that will aid detect and avoid (DAA) – a key element for the safe operation of UAVs in commercial airspace. 

To find out how to become a flight trial partner and for more information go to www.gotonomi.com. We’ll be exhibiting on booth 717 at Commercial UAV Expo, September 5-7^th, 2023, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, USA. 

Gotonomi’s mission is to enable always on-connectivity for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles, making safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight operations a reality. We have a vision to create a complete toolbox for safe autonomous operation on land sea and air. Our disruptive miniaturised communication system, designed by TTP, will bring satellite and cellular connectivity to smaller and lighter-weight UAVs. Our technology will enable command and control for BVLOS safety, telemetry, data services, voice and video streaming.

TTP is a technology and product development services company based in the Cambridge (UK) technology cluster. For 35 years the company was delivering science & technology driven innovation to clients in a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, where we are working with global leaders who benefit from TTP’s exposure to other industry sectors and technologies. TTP’s focus areas in the space sector include:

•          User terminals and antennas for satellite connectivity, including for UAVs

•          5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

•          Intersatellite links

•          Space sustainability solutions.

TTP has extensive experience in the development of terrestrial and satellite communication solutions – from system level down to devices, from VHF to V-band, from land-based equipment to aeronautical and space-based platforms.

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner.