Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Pearls Constellation (A next generation telecommunication platform based on a nano-satellites constellation)
Reporting period: 2019-06-01 to 2019-09-30
The limited accessibility of digital technologies - also known as "digital divide" - is a problem that characterizes both developed and under-developed countries. Developing countries are limited in their access to digital technologies: this is a key issue of today's society, since it also generates a distinction between those who can access certain information and those who are unable to do so. It is estimated that 1.54B people globally still lack access to basic voice and text services, and around 3.9B (53% of the world’s population) lack access to the internet at 3G speeds. Due to the lack of reliable and affordable ICT infrastructure, rural and remote areas remain largely isolated, and affordable and fast internet access is increasingly essential for such regions to compete and thrive in the modern society and economy. Society faces the ultimate challenge to develop effective solutions to integrate widespread and remote communities, whilst simultaneously overcoming the unfavourable cost-benefit equation.
To date, there is no solution for long distance communication based on nanosatellite constellations, since on large satellites (>1,000 kg) are the industry gold standard, which have exorbitant production, launching and operating costs.
Sky and Space Global (SAS) provides a low cost, narrow band communication network that will allow coverage anywhere thanks to the proprietary PEARLS constellation, a constellation of 200 nanosatellites. SAS offers a convenient platform for voice, data and instant messaging services, reducing the price for the customer and making communication affordable for everyone. The PEARLS communication network drives a major societal and ethical change in developing countries: not only it creates potential economic benefits for the EU (by promoting business trade with growing economies), but also increases EU competitiveness in the space industry (by bringing forward a very innovative and disruptive technology).
The objectives of the feasibility study were to evaluate technical and regulatory requirements for introduction of the PEARLS communication service on the market, develop the software to monito and control the nanosatellites from ground terminals, scale-up the software architecture, and perform a double level testing of the first 2 nanosatellites to be launched. The overall objective is to provide international affordable communication services to ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, with ANY PHONE.
To date, there is no solution for long distance communication based on nanosatellite constellations, since on large satellites (>1,000 kg) are the industry gold standard, which have exorbitant production, launching and operating costs.
Sky and Space Global (SAS) provides a low cost, narrow band communication network that will allow coverage anywhere thanks to the proprietary PEARLS constellation, a constellation of 200 nanosatellites. SAS offers a convenient platform for voice, data and instant messaging services, reducing the price for the customer and making communication affordable for everyone. The PEARLS communication network drives a major societal and ethical change in developing countries: not only it creates potential economic benefits for the EU (by promoting business trade with growing economies), but also increases EU competitiveness in the space industry (by bringing forward a very innovative and disruptive technology).
The objectives of the feasibility study were to evaluate technical and regulatory requirements for introduction of the PEARLS communication service on the market, develop the software to monito and control the nanosatellites from ground terminals, scale-up the software architecture, and perform a double level testing of the first 2 nanosatellites to be launched. The overall objective is to provide international affordable communication services to ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, with ANY PHONE.
SAS completed a full analysis of the technical and business potential of the PEARLS. The company secured the interest of several telecommunication companies, enabling volume requirements to be established for full operations.
SAS designed and secured a value chain which will be capable of supporting the company to efficiently deliver the required volume and quality for the communication service, and identified the optimum sales channels.
SAS also identified the optimisation work required in the manufacturing process to effect scale-up within the scope of a Phase 2 innovation project. From a regulatory perspective, SAS designed a two levels testing (ground and in-orbit) for the technology, secured the interest of telcos located in the equatorial belt, and identified the regulatory activities to comply with the industry standards. Furthermore, SAS calculated detailed four year financial projections for commercialisation and analysed the financial and infrastructure requirements for achieving global sales.
SAS designed and secured a value chain which will be capable of supporting the company to efficiently deliver the required volume and quality for the communication service, and identified the optimum sales channels.
SAS also identified the optimisation work required in the manufacturing process to effect scale-up within the scope of a Phase 2 innovation project. From a regulatory perspective, SAS designed a two levels testing (ground and in-orbit) for the technology, secured the interest of telcos located in the equatorial belt, and identified the regulatory activities to comply with the industry standards. Furthermore, SAS calculated detailed four year financial projections for commercialisation and analysed the financial and infrastructure requirements for achieving global sales.
The expected outcome is to finalise the PEARLS optimisation activities, develop the software for monitoring and controlling the satellites, and to complete technology validation activities (ground testing and in-orbit testing) such that market readiness will be achieved by the end of the Phase 2 project. The adoption of PEARLS communication services will introduce connectivity in unconnected areas, bringing life-changing benefits that go beyond the economic savings