Birmingham-based antenna specialist Novocomms has joined a consortium led by Telespazio UK - a subsidiary of Telespazio - to develop next-generation Signals of Opportunity Positioning (SOOP) technology for ESA, the European Space Agency.
The new technology represents a major step forward in terms of stable satellite communication for use within the automotive, transport, emergency services and smart city sectors.
Working in close co-operation with Telespazio UK, Eutelsat OneWeb and Cranfield University, Novocomms is developing a state-of-the-art antenna array for a practical proof-of-concept breadboard demonstrator which will utilise the advantages of Ku/Ka band SOOP and a small form factor user receiver and reference station.
Known as SATSOOP, the project aims to deliver a new type of satellite navigation receiver that does not rely on traditional GNSS signals, which are prone to natural interference, deliberate and accidental jamming and spoofing.
Harnessing the power of so-called ‘mega constellations’ operating in low earth orbit (LEO), SOOP positioning allows users to source position, navigation and timing (PNT) data from a much wider set of sources.
Dr Sampson Hu, founder and group CEO of Novocomms, said: “We are very pleased to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, which will help maintain Europe's leadership position in satellite communications.
"Our team, which includes shareholders and technical experts with more than 40 years of antenna-related experience - particularly in millimetre-wave and advanced beamforming technologies - is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to this innovative effort.
"We look forward to collaborating closely with our partners to develop technologies that will drive forward critical capabilities in satellite communications and deliver tangible benefits for a wide range of future applications.
“Our recent work on mmWave CPE funded by an Innovate UK SBRI contract and on a LEO-PNT ground terminal antenna demonstrator for the UK Space agency means we have the right set of skills and experience to contribute to this type of challenge.”
Headquartered on Birmingham’s Hagley Road, Novocomms is fully-equipped with advanced facilities to support this project. Its infrastructure includes powerful workstations complemented by sophisticated simulation software for design processes.
Its comprehensive testing capabilities cover all RF design and testing requirements, as well as embedded software design and validation. The antenna specialist also operates multiple anechoic chambers capable of conducting extensive testing from 600 MHz up to 90 GHz, including over-the-air (OTA) evaluations, providing robust and precise performance data outputs.
With a total value of €800,000, the ESA project is due to be completed in 2026, and it will be carried out within ESA NAVISP Element 1, which is dedicated to PNT technology innovation.
