Innovative partnerships: part 2 - eScan Satellite evolution with Celestia and Heriot-Watt
Explore Celestia and Heriot-Watt's groundbreaking eScan project: advanced multi-signal tracking antennas revolutionising satellite communication. Discover more about this innovative partnership between academia and industry.
Overview
The challenge
In a satellite market undergoing rapid evolution, traditional satellite dishes — limited to tracking a single satellite at a time — were becoming outdated. The European Space Agency appointed Celestia Technologies Group as the lead contractor for the “eScan” project, which aimed to develop an electronic antenna capable of simultaneously communicating with multiple satellites. This advancement is crucial for a range of applications, from improving internet connectivity in rural areas to enhancing remote environmental surveillance.
The solution
Celestia collaborated with Heriot-Watt University, tapping into its extensive expertise in antenna technology and signal processing. The university's contributions were multifaceted, encompassing design consultancy, thermal analysis, and sophisticated signal processing solutions. This partnership not only utilised the university's cutting-edge facilities but also bolstered Celestia's workforce through the recruitment of doctoral graduates and a unique industrial secondment.
The innovation
A pivotal element of this partnership was the development of an alternative to GPS systems, utilising satellite constellations for precise timing in 5G networks and critical infrastructures. This innovative approach promises enhanced reliability and broader coverage, even when GPS signals are unavailable.
The impact
Malachy Devlin, CEO of Celestia UK, highlights the accelerated and cost-effective development facilitated by Heriot-Watt's expertise. The university's involvement was crucial in processing complex signals for multi-target tracking. George Goussetis, a professor at Heriot-Watt, emphasises the project's contribution to interdisciplinary education and the enhancement of their research standing with the European Space Agency.
" Working with Heriot-Watt University has given us access to expertise and facilities that we couldn’t have found anywhere else in the UK, enabling faster and more cost-effective development. The most important contribution from Heriot-Watt was to help us develop new ways to process the complex signals that are received by the antenna when it’s tracking more than one satellite at once. Having access to all the knowledge and experience at the university has been like having a giant research and development department at our disposal and that has helped us to enhance our in-house skills, bringing on board members of staff who are qualified to doctoral level."
Malachy Devlin, CEO of Celestia UK
The legacy and future
The collaboration continues to grow, fostering further innovation in low-Earth orbit technologies. Celestia's expansion from a start-up to a significant industry player is a testament to this successful partnership. Supported by Scottish Enterprise, this collaboration is a cornerstone of Scotland's burgeoning satellite technology cluster.
Interested in pioneering technology advancements? Join us in shaping the future! Like-minded businesses are invited to collaborate on new or exciting projects. Reach out to GRID@hw.ac.uk and let's innovate together!