Nano-satellites based Global Infrastructure to Enable IoT/M2M Networks - GIoT (Global IoT)

Project Information

GIoT

Grant agreement ID: 853797

DOI

10.3030/853797

Project closed

EC signature date 24 April 2019

Start date 1 May 2019

End date 31 October 2022

Funded under

• Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

Total cost

€ 4 150 216,25

EU contribution

€ 2 884 132,13

Coordinated by

UAB KONGSBERG NANOAVIONICS
Lithuania

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - GIoT (Nano-satellites based Global Infrastructure to Enable IoT/M2M Networks - GIoT (Global IoT))

Reporting period: 2021-05-01 to 2022-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The GIoT (Global Internet of Things) project had the ambition to be the first pilot and commercialization project of a global Nanosatellite-powered “constellation as a service" solution to offer network operators easy and low-cost access to space-to-ground communications. The GIoT system architecture could serve Internet of the Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) network operators of both terrestrial and satellite-based; the architecture could expand network coverage over oceans and remote areas where cellular networks are not presently available, and could provide a lower-cost access solution to regions where cellular networks already exist.

The GioT brought three critical key partners and their unique expertise together to create the combined offer of novel service. Through the GIoT project, the consortium of NanoAvionics, Antwerp Space, and KSAT sorted out to improve the accessibility of satellite-based IoT solutions for new operators through combining NanoAvionics small satellite buses, KSAT ground station network and Antwerp Space inter-satellite link sub-system. The project consortium was developing professional small satellite constellations-based service-infrastructure, which would support global telecommunication businesses.

The main objectives of the GIoT project were: 1) Bring GIoT project technologies from the current TRL6 to TRL8; 2) Prepare for commercialization and scale-up. The project output was a deployment of the new generation MP42 satellite-based communications system at TRL8.

The core GIoT technologies that have been developed: I. A multi-functional small satellite bus, designated as the MP42 (NanoAvionics); II. An inter-satellite communications link (ISL) (Antwerp Space); III. A fleet of commercial ground stations (KSAT and NanoAvionics); IV. A GIoT software Application Programming Interface (API) (NanoAvionics).

It successfully achieved GIoT project goal - MP42 bus carrying ISL system in-orbit demonstration, however, without capabilities for LEO-GEO communication. GIoT project must be deemed as a successful demonstration of the consortium's capabilities to produce a scalable joint product through combined technologies.
The project was following the so-called NewSpace philosophy, which is centered around low-cost, high functionality, and optimal quality small satellite technologies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Project technical and commercial objectives were achieved: manufacturing, development, and qualification of GIoT components and system prototype; flight-ready advanced prototype of MP42 fully completed; MP42 bus carrying ISL system commissioned and tested; GIoT Application Programmable Interface (API) and data management system successfully completed and tested; TRL 8 reached; new generation MP42 bus carrying ISL successfully launched to the orbit without capabilities for LEO-GEO communication; communication materials have been fully developed; commercialization and dissemination activities carried out; dissemination and communication plan has been prepared; scale-up recommendations and guidelines plan have been drawn up.

Project's results were disseminated to the main stakeholders in the satellite industry (space agencies, universities, research and technology organizations, and space business clusters) and the general public. In total, 18 industry events/conferences/exhibitions have been attended by consortium partners representatives with booths or as participants. B2B meetings were attended at each event.

The main objective was to focus on an in-orbit demonstration of ISL hardware (Ka-Band) on-board the new innovative MP42 satellite platform, omitting the commercialization activities of the GIoT solution, focusing on the critical hardware innovations and developments required prior to commercialization. Therefore, the coordinator focused on MP42 satellite platform exploitation and the small satellite market including partner roles in future activities. An end-to-end satellite mission delivery strategy has been developed.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

GIoT project, by integrating the system capabilities listed above, tried to provide a solution for global IoT/M2M services. The direct advantages of this solution could be: Approximately 10 times lower prices for global IoT/M2M communication; Provision of real time data exchange capability to IoT/M2M systems; Significantly reduce the number of barriers to entry for new IoT/M2M operators; Global coverage not dependent on geographical area.

With that also the socio-economic effect, the result and importance for the European citizen can clearly be named. Activities such as the European Flagship IRISS (sometimes also called IRIS2), the ESA Secure Connectivity program, and the Civil Security from Space program, as well as the planned commercial European IoT and M2M constellations are in strong need of fast, reliable, and European Inter Satellite Link solutions. All these systems need a strong LEO constellation segment with satellite interlink capacities, to transfer information with short delay times to & from mobile and stationary users.

GIOT was an important step towards the goal of the European Commission to support all European stakeholders and citizens with a reliable, secure, fast, and independent European infrastructure to secure safety and business competitiveness for the following decades.

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